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PUBLICATIONS
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
AMERICANA GERMANICA
MONOGRAPHS DEVOTED TO THE COMPARATIVE
STUDY OF THE
Literary, Linguistic and Otlier Cultural Relations
OF
Germany and America
EDITOR
MARION DEXTER LEARNED
University of Pennsylvania
( See List at the End of the Book )
ERRATA.
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not leave.
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Biography.
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88a. James, Edmund J.
belongs in line 5.
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148. Nothanker
not Notdanker.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND GERMANY
Thesis presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School
of the University of Pennsylvania in partial fulfill-
ment of the requirements for the Degree
of Doctor of Philosophy.
Bv
BEATRICE MARGUERITE VICTORY
Americana (Bermantca
• Number 21.
Publications of the
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
1915
<^CV^S^«P7
^
IjO^^X
T^
VG
COPYKIGHT 191 5
BY
Beatrice Marguerite Victory
TO MY PARENTS
^ mum %mAf
S Of Thf
I
'2>*\H C^^S"
CONTENTS.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany,
Chapter I. Frederick the Great.
a. Attitude toward England.
b. Attitude toward the North American Colonies.
Chapter II. Franklin's Diplomatic Career.
d. Diplomatic Relations with Austria and Prussia.
b. Three Visits to Paris.
1. 1767.
2. 1769.
3. 1776.
c. Emperor Joseph's Visit to Paris.
d. Diplomatic Relations with Prussia and Austria.
e. Attitude of Louis XVI toward England and the North
American Colonies.
Chapter III. Franklin's Visit to Germany.
a. Evidences of His Visit.
b. Franklin's References to Absence.
Chapter IV. Franklin's Knowledge of Things German.
a. At Home.
b. Abroad.
c. Knowledge of the German Language.
d. Edict of the King of Prussia.
Chapter V. Franklin's Reputation in Europe — Germany.
a. In the Eighteenth Century,
b. In the Nineteenth Century,
c. In the Twentieth Century.
Chapter VI. Franklin in German Poetry.
Chapter VII, Franklin as Known to —
a. Goethe.
b. Schiller.
c. Justus Moser.
d. Herder (Johann Fried).
(7)
8 Contents
Chapter VIII. Franklin in the German Novel.
a. Charles Sealesfield,
b. Proskow.
c. Berthold Auerbach.
d. Elise Polko.
Chapter IX. Letters to Franklin from Germans.
Bibliography.
Chapter X. Chronological List of Franklin's Works in German.
Chapter XI. Chronological Bibliography.
PREFACE.
If one examines the bibliography of Benjamin Franklin, it
will seem almost impossible to conceive of any phase of the life
or activities of the "many-sided" Doctor, which has not been ex-
haustively treated.
The following dissertation was suggested by Professor
Marion Dexter Learned, of the University of Pennsylvania, who
was kind enough to place in the author's hands photographic re-
productions ^ of the correspondence of the American representa-
tives, Carmichael, Arthur and William Lee and others, which
were directed for the most part to Schulenburg, the Minister of
War and State for Frederick the Great. These were most helpful
in following Franklin's diplomatic career,
Benjamin Franklin spent from June 15 to August 13, 1766,
in Germany. The American Philosophical Society of Philadel-
phia in the Collection of Franklin Papers possesses ample proof
of this visit in several original letters. One addressed to Mrs.
Franklin dated London, June 13, 1766, gives his intended plans
thus: "Tomorrow I set out with my friend Mr. Pringle (now Sir
John) on a journey to Pyrmont where he goes to drink the waters.
I propose to leave him at Pyrmont and visit some of the principal
cities nearest to it and call for him again when the time for our
return draws nigh." Franklin visited Gottingen and Hanover.
Of his visit to Hanover we possess but one proof — a Latin letter
from a Dr. Hartmann of that city.- Of the journey to the Uni-
versity of Gottingen and his associations with professors of that
institution there is richer proof. Franklin himself intended to
treat this trip in his Autobiography under headlines "Journey into
Germany, 1766. Civilities received there. Gottingen observa-
tions."^ Dr. Herbert P. Gallinger in his thesis entitled Relation
of German Publicists to the American War of Independence
^To be foimd in the Collection of the Emperor William Institution of
German American Research at University of Pennsylvania.
^ Mentioned by Sparks in his Franklin, Vol. VII, p. 326.
'Franklin draft copy of Autobiography. Printed Smyth, Vol. I, p. 224.
(9)
lo Preface
(1775- 1 783), Leipzig, 1900; Mr. L. Viereck, in Americana Ger-
manica (Vol. IV, No. 2) ; Mr. Joseph G. Rosengarten in his ad-
dress German Universities delivered on October 24, 1902, at the
University of Pennsylvania, and Edmund J. James, The Nation,
April 18, 1895, p. 296 f., give very fruitful suggestions of
Franklin's visit to Germany.
The author spent one year in Germany endeavoring to en-
large the field of these suggestions. Original letters have been
most carefully examined and a thorough investigation of Amer-
ican material has been made. The author desires to express her
sincerest appreciation to Dr. I. Minis Hays of the American
Philosophical Society, who kindly placed at her disposal the
valuable Franklin Collection. Help was given by Professor J.
Wiesner, of Vienna, and by the Amerika-Institut in Berlin.
To Herr Walter Gerlach the author is grateful for his research
work at the University of Gottingen.
Beatrice Marguerite Victory, M. A.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN AND GERMANY.
CHAPTER I.
Frederic the Great.
(a) Attitude Toward England.
Frederic the Great hated England most cordially and, we
may say, most justly, for from the earliest days of his accession
to the throne of Prussia, 1740, his uncle, George II, had ever
shown an animosity which he took but meagre, if any, pains to con-
ceal. The real and only cause was an inherent jealousy and fear
that this nephew might increase his small domain even by inches,
to the detriment of the English ancestral continental centre, the
Electorate of Hanover.
With the Treaty of Aix la Chapelle, 1748, England and
Spain, France and England, found their mutual conditions prac-
tically the same as before those eight weary years of reciprocal
grievances and leakages in the public treasuries. "To the balance
of power, sustained by standing armies of a million of men, the
statesmen of that day intrusted the preservation of the tranquility,
and, ignorant of the might of principles to mould the relations
of states, saw in Austria the certain ally of England, in France
the natural ally of Prussia."^^
In spite of the fact that George II, in the summer of 1745,
during the second war of the Austrian Succession, still harbor-
ing in the caucles of his heart the secret displeasure at the wrest-
ing of Silesia from Austria by Frederic, turned to Maria Theresa
and carried on friendly relations with the Catholic Power, at
the same time offering subsidies to Mayence, Cologne, Bavaria
and the Count Palatine to Joseph II, King of the Romans — in
spite of all this, he had the audacity to expect the support of his
kinsman for the furtherance of his plans. Thus playing his part
diplomatically, in 1756, he formulated with Frederic the treaty
^a George Bancroft, History of the United States of America (1884);
Vol. II, p. 312.
(")
12 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
of Westminster, hoping by this agreement of neutrality to protect
Hanover from the coalition of the European Powers. In this
same year, the houses of Hapsburg and Capet, after nearly three
hundred years of contention, joined hands to support the inter-
ests of Catholicism and propagate the utter downfall of Prussia
and, if possible, the ruin of Germany. Frederic, however, sur-
prised and frustrated the hopes of these combined allies against
him, by saving Prussia. All Europe stood aghast before this
"Gustavus Adolphus", as the Protestant nations called him. In
his terrible campaigns "two hundred and sixty thousand men
stood against seven hundred thousand, and had not conquered".^
With the accession of George III and the appointment, Octo-
ber, 1 761, of Bute as minister in the place of Pitt, the staunch
adherent and supporter of the Prussian king, any real or seeming
alliance between the two Powers was at once broken off. Prussia
found herself utterly abandoned. Among the English diplomats,
Frederic knew that plans for peace were being made, but the ben-
efits of such an armistice meant for his kingdom the assured loss
of his Silesian territory. "How is it possible", such were the
words addressed by Frederic to Pitt, "how can the English nation
propose to make cessions to my enemies — that nation which has
guaranteed my possessions by authentic acts known to the whole
world ?"^
Benjamin Franklin describes these wars on the continent in
a letter to David Hall, dated London, April 8, 1759:
"The Powers at war on the Continent have excited them-
selves to the utmost this Winter, to be able to bring vast armies
into the field, and they are already in motion. If this King of
Prussia can stand his Ground this Year, his Enemies will be tired
of so costly a War. And he bids fair for it, for he takes the
Field this Spring with as fine an Army as he had since the War
began, and hitherto he has very little burthen'd his own People
for Supplies either of Money or Men, drawing both from his
Enemies or Neighbors. But what the event will be God only
* Ibid., p. 481.
' Ibid., p. 538.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 13
knows. Three Monarchys the most powerful in Europe besides
the Swedes, on his Back at once; No Magnamity (sic) but his
own could think of bearing it; no Courage but his that would not
sink under it, no any less Bravery, Skill and Activity than his
that would equal to it. If he again should drub them all around,
and at length obtain an honorable and advantageous peace, his
Renown will far exceed that of all the Heroes in History."^
Again he writes concerning this same subject late in Sep-
tember, 1761, to his friend, William Strahan : "Call to mind
your former fears for the King of Prussia, and remember my
telling you that the man's abilities were more than equal to all
the forces of his enemies, and that he would finally extricate
himself and triumph. "''^
As late as 1789, he still felt a keen interest in all things that
pertained to his Prussian Majesty and wrote on June 3rd of that
year from Philadelphia, the following to Benjamin Vaughan :
"1 have not seen the King of Prussia's posthumous works ; what
you mention makes me desirous to have them. Please to mention
it to your brother William, and that I request him to add them
to the books I have desired him to buy for me."^
Thus deserted and wilfully betrayed, since George had
diplomatically ordered Sir William Yorke, minister at The
Hague, to offer the Empress of Austria even Silesia to renew
her friendly relationship with him, Frederic, nothing daunted,
found alone his road to success and unfading glory, as Franklin
had predicted. At every turn England flaunted her hatred in
the very eyes of this irrestible warrior. Any means to break the
iron tenacity of his indomitable will. Why hesitate at the sum
of one hundred thousand pounds? Well could Frederic laugh
to scorn his recognized enemy at the news of the rise of the North
American Colonies. Perhaps George felt a little misgiving and a
faint twinge of fear that the far-sighted and cunning Frederic
might now see clearly the long desired method of mildly wreak-
* Original letter in the Museum of Independence Hall.
^Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin (1818), Vol. I, p. 251.
' Collection of Hon. S. W. Pennypacker. Printed in Smyth's Benjamin
Franklin, Vol. X, p. 209.
14 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
ing vengeance for the past wrongs by dispatching well trained
troops to the New World. Great must have been the astonish-
ment of all England, that he took no active part in the rising
controversy and only a seeming, passive interest. Passive it most
assuredly was, but yet a friendly attitude, which asserted itself
later, however, in a more tangible form.
One of the leading motives of the policy of Frederic was
to increase the trade and commerce of his beloved Prussia. This
policy he hoped to perpetrate by eventually binding the ports of
east Frisia closely and permanently with the markets of the
North American Colonies. East Frisia first fell into the posses-
sion of Prussia in 1744. Through the position of this province
on the North Sea and because of its not unimportant ports it
seemed to assure the world commerce, for which the king so
earnestly and ardently yearned. It was then with this point in
view, that we find Frederic's energies directed toward the Amer-
ican Colonies, but it was these colonies themselves that made the
first venture into the fields of diplomacy. What was the reason
for this modest backwardness on the part of this persistently
aggressive ruler, who with the exception of Joseph II of Austria,
was then the only king in Germany? Burdened with years that
rested heavily upon his drooping shoulders, longing for the
staunch support of those faithful friends, whom the god of war
had claimed as his booty, alone with the reflections of victories,
that haunted him with their bloody carnage, that strangled in
the gaunt hand of death the breath of their lasting glory thus
we find Frederic at the crucial moment, when the Colonies were
just mustering those potent forces and stirring the embers, which
were to burst forth in the flame of the American Revolution.
As Bancroft says : "No one of the Powers of Europe is heartily
his ally. Russia will soon leave for Austria, his great deeds
become to him so many anxieties ; his system meets with per-
sistent and deadly enmity. He seeks rest; and strong and un-
avoidable antagonism allow his wasted strength no repose. He
is childless and alone; his nephew, who will be his successor
neglects him, and follows other counsels ; his own brother hopes
and prays to heaven that the king's days may not be prolonged.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 15
Worn by unparelled labor and years he strikes against obstacles
on all sides as he seeks to give a sure life to his kingdom; and
prudence teaches him that he must still dare and suffer and
go on."^
In the North American Colonies themselves the exploits
and surprising succession of victories of the great crusader of
Protestantism were hailed with national rejoicing and thanks-
giving by those rabid exponents of religious sentiment, the Puri-
tans. In the Middle States, New York and Pennsylvania, the
admiration for Frederic was no less markedly sincere. The
Germans of Pennsylvania, who followed with keenest interest
the military conquests of their beloved king "Fritz", saw in the
victory of Rossbach the thwarting of their arch-enemy, the
French, who had driven their fathers and their forefathers from
their hereditary homes on the banks of the Rhine and in
Swabia. Washington in a letter to Lafayette acknowledged
the great honor of being so cordially esteemed by so renowned a
statesman and warrior, as Frederic. Franklin took occasion to
use the personality of the Prussian ruler to satirize the English
and to show the interest of Frederic for the struggling Colonies.
Green, in a letter to the Prussian Baron von Steuben, assured
him of his hopes of his success in all campaigns since he intended
to use the same military tactics, as those he had learned under
the master of war, Frederic. In fact, the baron himself owed
his ready acceptance and the American acquiescence to his sug-
gestions in matter of warfare to the prestige gained from the
honor accorded one who had been an adjutant in the Prussian
army. Thomas Jefferson expressed the general opinion of the
American Colonies when he wrote of the death of this king as
an irreparable loss to the entire civilized world: "Still today in
America they believe — so quickly a myth arises around popular
figures — that Frederic demonstrated his respect for Washington
by sending a sword of honor over to him : indeed the scientific
magazines repeated in all good faith this fable, which it seems
was founded on the fact that the Prussian smith of arms
Theophilus Alte in Solingen sent to Washington a beautiful
•Bancroft, History of the U. S. A.; Vol. V, p. 236.
1 6 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
sword made by himself with an inscription expressing his ad-
miration."*®
Frederic was awake to the significance of the uprising of
England's Colonies, for he felt confident that the offspring of the
mother country would prefer to see the work which they had
centered in the upbuilding of their settlements in ruins, rather
than withdraw one iota from their determined stand of opposition
against the bonds of a selfish and despotic ruler. In September,
1774, he expressed himself in regard to the action of the Colonies
as follows: "The more I reflect on the measures of the English
government the more they appear to me arbitrary and despotic.
That the court has provoked its colonies to withstand its meas-
ures, nobody can doubt. It invents new taxes ; it wishes by its
own authority to impose them on its colonies in manifest breach
of their privileges; the colonies do not refuse their former taxes
and demand only in regard to new ones to be placed on the same
footing with England; but the government will not accord to
them the right to tax themselves. This is the whole history of
these disturbances."^^
Again in a letter to his minister, Count Maltzan, in London,
he writes in December, 1775: "Es erhellt immer mehr dass der
Konig von England mit seinen Colonien hohes Spiel spielt und
sich in diese Wirren zu tief eingelassen hat um siegreich daraus
hervorzugehen. . . . Die grosse Frage ist immer ob die Colo-
nien nicht Mittel finden werden, sich ganz vom Mutterlande zu
trennen und eine freie Republik zu stiften. . . . Gewiss ist
dies, fast ganz Europa nimmt Partei fiir die Colonien und ver-
theidigt ihre Sache, wahrend die Sache des Hofes weder Conner
noch Forderer findet."*^
Yet Frederic was, at this time, too conservative to hazard
any loss to the kingdom for which he had labored so untiringly,
for the sake of coming like a knight errant to rescue the oppressed
"F. Kapp, Fricderich der Grosse und die Vereinigten Staaten von Atne-
rika; S. 13.
"Bancroft, History of U. S. A.; Vol. V, p. 237.
^'Das Zcitalter Friederichs des Grossen. Dr. Wm. Oncken. Bd. 2,
S. 838-839.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 17
children of England : "In a careful search through his cabinet
papers, I have found no letter or part of a letter in which he
allowed the interest of his kingdom to suffer from personal pique
or dynastic influence. His cares are for the country which he
rather serves than rules. He sees and exactly measures its weak-
ness as well as its strength, and gathers everyone of its discon-
nected parts under his wings. "^^
(b) His Attitude Tozvard the North American Colonies.
"Dem Befreiungskampfe der Amerikaner war von Frie-
derich dem Grossen mit gepaukester Aufmerksamkeit gefolgt,
aber ohne die leistete Regung solcher Empfindungen, wie sie von
diesen bei ihm voraus gesetzt worden war. Allerdings leistete
er den Amerikanern einen unschatzbaren Dienst."^^ This service
was indeed no small one. When in October, 1777, the German
auxiliaries, hired by the English, began to make their way from
Ansbach and Hesse, he forbade their passing through his realm
and domains unless a certain toll per head was paid. In May,
1776, a plan for a direct commerce was advanced by Silas Deane,
the first agent sent by the American Congress, with Montessuy,
the Prussian minister for commercial affairs. This request
was followed by the permission for the exchange of xA.merican
products through the ports of Brittany. Commerce, however,
between the North American Colonies and Prussia was declined ;
for Frederic felt that without a formidable fleet the results of
such an action on the part of Prussia would be most uncertain.
Just at this time the thoughts of the king were distracted from
such foreign interests by the unwarranted claim of Austria to a
contingent share in the inheritance of a large portion of Bavaria.
Frederic, to ward off such a blow, turned to France. Through
his minister he assured the French government that he would
maintain neutrality and do his utmost to preserve peace, and
Maurepas gave him a similar guarantee.
As early as the first of October, Deane wrote from Paris to
the Committee of Secret Correspondence, its members being
"Bancroft, History of U. S. A.; Vol. V, p. 238.
^* Das Zeitalter Friederichs des Grossen. W. Oncken. Vol. II, pp. 838-839.
1 8 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Benjamin Franklin, Richard Henry Lee, Robert Morris and
William Cooper, as follows : "Would you have universal com-
merce, commission some person to visit every kingdom on the
continent that can hold any commerce with America. Among
them by no means forget Prussia. Grain will be in demand in
this kingdom and in the south of Europe." In the same letter
he adds : "P. S. It is of importance, as I have mentioned in my
former letters, to have some one deputed and empowered to treat
with the king of Prussia. I am acquainted with his agent here,
and have already through him received some queries and pro-
posals respecting American commerce to which I am preparing a
reply. . . . France and Spain are naturally our allies; the
Italian States want our flour and some other articles; Prussia,
ever pursuing her own interest, needs but be informed of some
of the facts relative to America's growing commerce to favor
us."^^ Again in a letter to Dumas he gives expression to this
same thought, October 3, 1776: "Since my last in which I
mentioned the King of Prussia, I have obtained a method of
sounding that monarch's sentiments more directly through an-
other channel, which voluntary offering I have accepted."^^ In
a letter to John Jay on the 3rd of December that same year, from
Paris, he shows that the relations in commercial interests are
still being urged: "I have had overtures from the King of
Prussia in the commercial way and have a person of greater
confidence to his court, with letters of introduction from his
agent here with whom I am on the best of terms. "^^
" Secret Journals of Congress (Library of Congress) ; Wharton Diplo-
matic Correspondence. Vol. II, p. 154.
" Ibid., p. 163.
" Ibid., p. 213.
Whether it was from mismanagement on the part of Arthur Lee, or
from a change of policy by Frederick, there was no treaty until 1785. See
Wharton, I ; p. 445 ff.
CHAPTER II.
Franklin's Diplomatic Career.
The diplomacy of the American Revolution was dominated
to the greatest extent by the all prevailing force of finance.
Economy of finance meant recognition from the desired ally,
France, and power over the oppressive enemy, England. With
argumentations based on the principles of war and finance, the
American diplomatists exerted every tangible method to ac-
complish their ends, not only against the mother country, but to
their advantage with the European countries, that were willing
or unwilling to lend their ears. Franklin, for instance, was not
only diplomatic agent in Paris, but he was also, in the negotiation
of our loans from France and the disbursement of the funds thus
obtained, a secretary of the treasury; while in concerting allied
campaigns, he was to some extent secretary of war, and in direct-
ing our navy, in European waters to some extent secretary of
the navy. Our own success at home and the persistent bravery in
crises, as displayed in the siege of Boston, won the natural sup-
port of the French nation, which grasped the importance of such
a victory as Saratoga by raw recruits and a handful of unprac-
ticed troops against the strength of the veteran army of Great
Britain. The longed-for alliance with France was ratified in
1778, and the support of this country was the fruit of that genius
of diplomacy, the world-famed Franklin, the head of the legation
at Paris, and by whom so many of the intricate and difficult
political afifairs of the United Colonies were so tactfully and suc-
cessfully managed. It was this venerable statesman, who showed
the importance of the unbreakable spirit of independence, when
he replied to an old friend, Hartley, who warned him of the
danger, to which he would be perhaps exposed, in a foreign land :
"I thank you for your kind caution, but having nearly finished a
long life, I set but little value on what remains of it. Like a
draper, when one chaffers with him for a remnant, I am ready
to say, 'As it is only the fag end, I will not differ with you about
it ; take it for what you please.' Perhaps the best use such an old
(19)
20 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
fellow can be put to is to make a mart3'r of him." This same
idea of the humble value of his services to his country, he ex-
pressed, when he was chosen as commissioner to France in his
seventieth year, September 27, 1776, as he turned to Dr. Rush,
who sat near him in the Assembly : "I am old and good for noth-
ing; but as the storekeepers say of their remnants of cloth, I am
but a fag end, and you may have me for what you propose to
give." Appointments were given at the same time to Silas Deane
and Arthur Lee, both of whom were absent in Europe, to assist
Dr. Franklin with their joint services in the cause of freedom, in
the official capacity of recognized agents of the North American
Colonies abroad.
The diplomatic activity of Franklin abroad opened his life
to the closest scrutiny of those, who were ever watchful to find
flaws in the calibre of his ability, which had won for him this
post of honor. We can repudiate the accusation made against
him, that he never lost an opportunity to grow rich on public
money and furthered the appointment of his nephew, Mr. Wil-
liams, by quoting his letter to William Lee in regard to this
appointment : "Your proposition about appointing agents in the
ports shall be laid before the commissioners when they meet. In
the meantime I can only say that as to my nephew, Mr. Williams,
though I have from long knowledge and experience of him a
high opinion of his abilities, activity and integrity, I will have no
hand in his appointment or in approving it, not being desirous of
his being in any way concerned in that business."^^
Again he can be defended against the slightest fraudulent
intentions, by this fact, that he sent a personal account of his
expenditures to Congress, November 29, 1788, after his arrival
in Philadelphia : "In pursuance of this resolution, and as soon
as Mr. Barclay was at leisure from more pressing business, I
rendered to him all my accounts, which he examined and stated
methodically. By his statement he found a balance due me on the
4 of May 1785, of 7533 livres nineteen sols 3 den., which by
^^ North American Review, April, 1830. (Printed in Sparks' Benjamin
Franklin, Vol. Ill, p. 30.)
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 21
mistake I had overcharged — about three pence halfpenny
sterHng."^^
If we cannot exactly agree with the high opinion of Matthew
Arnold, who considers Franklin "a man who was the very in-
carnation of sanity and clear sense, a man the most remarkable,
it seems to me, whom America has produced", still we can accord
to him the distinction of the possession of the greatest admin-
istrative genius of the time, when such a man of judicial powers
was so sorely needed. He never swerved in the great cause of
independence, even at the cost of war, which was in every respect
opposed to his peace-loving nature.
(a) His Diplomatic Correspondence.
His diplomatic correspondence may not be as entertaining
as that of Adams from Holland, or the Spanish letters of Jay,
which he enlivened with pithy bits of European gossip, yet those
of Dr. Franklin are unique in clearness of style, brevity, and all
the essentials for the accomplishment of their varied purposes.
In short, they are just as typical and characteristic of the many-
sided and versatile personality, as is the Autobiography or his
more personal letters. They teem with a wholesome wit, a healthy
wisdom, coupled with the knack of saying just the tactful thing
at the critical moment. He knew to the most exact fraction the
capacity of the heavy sack of diplomatic nuts and filled it so that
it could stand upright, after he had carefully balanced it, and
better still he could crack the nuts within and share them with
his countrymen most generously. He always hit the nail upon
the head, and if the hammer slipped and hit his fingers, he hunted
some timely maxim and kept his own counsel.
The Continental Assembly could not have shown sounder
judgment than the selection of such a citizen as Franklin for such
an important foreign post. For forty years he had been busied
in Pennsylvania politics. No man was better acquainted with
the conditions of not only this state, but of practically all the
habitable sections of the other states. In the position of Post-
'• Sparks, III ; p. 508.
22 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
master General, he had visited these districts, traversing a dis-
tance of six thousand miles, and his trained eye had readily
grasped all the essential details. In the French struggle against
the forces of England, he had arranged for the transportation of
troops by securing the services of the much needed wagons of the
Pennsylvania farmers. Was his brain ever free from some new
innovation for the betterment of the Colonies? The results of
his well devised schemes are widely known, to the present day
throughout the world. Not only had the State of Pennsylvania
felt the benefits of his services, but for a number of years he had
been the spokesman of Continental affairs in the mother country,
as representative of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts
and Georgia. Experience had prepared and reared him in all the
intricate arts of efficiency for his position as the American com-
missioner at the court of France. One of the characteristics,
which assured his unfailing success, was, as De Witt expresses it,
"he could see in the future and live in the present".^''
(b) Franklins Visits to Paris.
I. First Visit, 1767.
Franklin had visited Paris in 1767 and again in 1769, as
an honored guest, and he was welcomed back in 1776, with a
cordiality which proved his growing and permanent popularity.
Europe was the target for the guns of American diplomatists.
From the coffers of these Powers must come the gold for carrying
on the struggle at home. Here the means must be found for
supplying the American troops. On this foreign soil were the
opportunities for the display of the powers of capable diplomat-
ists. We find American privateers in the ports of Holland,
France and Spain, being cargoed for services at home; here the
naval tactics were planned, before their coming in touch with
Continental conditions. When we carefully examine the political
letters of Franklin, we cannot fail to be impressed by the great
responsibility which rested upon his shoulders. The loans to the
Colonies were intrusted entirely to his hands, in fact they were
De Witt, Jefferson; p. 59.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 23
paid to him alone. It was to him that Congress had to turn for
the payment of the national debts, contracted abroad. He was
recognized as the sole agent in Paris, and even although bills were
at times directed to Adams, Jay, or Laurens, still to Franklin the
ultimate appeal had to be made. His labors seem too intricate
for one man to manage alone, but his accounts have proved him
to be the master of his duties and tasks. His only secretary, at
this time, was his grandson, who might relieve him in copying
from drafts, many of which are preserved today, but could not,
of course, draft a single official document. If he had been sur-
rounded ijy congenial colleagues, his heavy burdens might have
been greatly lightened, but he was handicapped by assistants, who
were jealous, selfish and suspicious and only too ready to be a
hindrance to his plans. France had warranted confidence in the
honesty and integrity of Franklin and no matter who his col-
leagues may have been, he was the one personality whose influence
and persuasion resulted in the friendly alliance with her. This
high estimate of Franklin we can judge from two letters, written
from the Count de Vergennes, Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the
French Minister at Philadelphia : "As to Dr. Franklin, his
conduct leaves Congress nothing to desire. It is as zealous and
patriotic as it is wise and circumspect." Again on February 15,
1781, "If you are questioned respecting the opinion of Dr. Frank-
lin, you may without hesitation say, that we esteem him as much
on account of his patriotism as the wisdom of his conduct; and
it has been owing in a great part to this cause, and the confidence
we put in the veracity of Dr. Franklin, that we have determined
to relieve the pecuniary embarrassment in which he has been
placed by Congress."
Of the two visits of Franklin to Paris, 1767 and 1769, there
seems to be a certain reticence in his letters of this time. We
do know that the companion of these journeys was the "steady
and good friend Sir John Pringle", who also had been his fellow-
traveller on the visit to the Netherlands and Germany in the
summer of 1766. The only letter written, while he was in France
1767, is that in which he describes his experiences to his clever
friend, Miss Stevenson. His electrical experiments had already
24 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
been the herald of his entree into France, where they had been
carefuhy investigated by the abbes Nollet and D'AHbard. Yet
it is not exactly true to ascribe the cordial welcome which the
scientist received as entirely due to his electrical innovations.
The far-sighted Durand, no doubt, clearly saw the diplomacy of
favoring the agent of the Colonies in England. Franklin felt
this underlying motive and was successful in visiting Paris, with-
out the British government being cognizant of his absence.
Durand's visits to him, at this time, opened up the way for his
acceptance into the social whirl of the metropolis. Franklin
wisely saw the reason for his popularity, as he expresses it: "I
fancy that intriguing nation would like very well on occasion to
blow up the coals between Britain and her colonies; but I hope
we shall give them no opportunity." It is to the political writings
of Franklin, that he owed more than anything else, the approval
of a nation, which at this time was so permeated by the influence
of such economists as Quesnay and the Marquis de Mirabeau, the
masters with their disciples, M. Dupont de Nemours, the life-
long friend of Franklin, and the Abbe Baudeau. The French
editor of Franklin's works, James Barbeu Dubourg, was also
an active force among these men. We have the positive proof
of this visit to France in a letter to his son, in which he carefully
admonishes him to maintain the utmost secrecy on the matter.
From London dated October 9, 1767, he writes to Mrs. Deborah
Franklin, "My dear Child, I returned yesterday Evening from
Paris safe and well, having had an exceeding pleasant Journey,
and quite recovered my health.'' He returned to London on
October ist, and Dupont informed him shortly after of the publi-
cation of some of his writings on the conditions in the Colonies,
which he had taken the liberty of presenting thus to the public in
translation. (M. Dubourg had been the recipient of these Frank-
lin papers and had passed them on their way to Dupont.
2. Franklin's Second Visit, 1769.
In July, 1769, Franklin visited Paris again. The only
mention of this journey is a letter addressed to Samuel Cooper,
of Boston: "I have just returned from France, where I find our
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 25
dispute much attended to, several of our pamphlets being trans-
lated and printed there, among others my Examination and the
Farmers' Letters, with two of my pieces annexed, of which last
I send you a copy. In short all Europe, except Britain, appears to
be on our side." From subsequent correspondence we know, that
Franklin arranged for an official French translation of his works
with Dubourg. Franklin was again in London by September ist.
3. Franklin's Third Visit to Paris.
Franklin left Philadelphia on October 26, 1776. He arrived
on the French shore on November 29th. The Reprisal, under
Captain Wilkes, after carrying off two prizes, landed Franklin
with his two grandsons at Auray on December 3rd. They pro-
ceeded by post to Nantes, where they arrived on the 7th, then
reaching Paris on the 21st. Perhaps some of the delay was
due to Franklin's condition. "Being poorly nourished", as he
says on the Reprisal: "1 was very weak on my arrival."
He took up his abode at the Hotel d'Hambourg, in the Rue
de rUniversite and remained there several weeks, removing then
to the luxurious hotel of Monsieur Ray de Chaumont in the
suburb of Passy. The proprietor refused any rent for Franklin's
apartments, until the independence of the American Colonies was
established, and being a true politician in every sense of the word,
Franklin readily accepted this most generous offer and we find
him maintaining his establishment, according to Mr. Adams, in
a most extravagant manner. To be sure, he kept servants in
sufficient number to entertain any guests who felt inclined to
enjoy his kind hospitality, and with full rights of an American
ambassador rode to the city in a carriage drawn by his own horses ;
but the wide display of unnecessary extravagant luxury can not
be proved.
When his arrival was known throughout Europe, his numer-
ous friends began to welcome him back to the Old World, and one
of the first was the German naturalist and physician at the court
of Vienna, Jan Ingen Housz, who assured Franklin that he hoped
he had come to re-establish the amicable feeling between the
mother country and her colonies.
26 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
(c) Joseph II's Visit to Paris.
While at the French court, at this time, there was war be-
tween the schools of music, led by Gliick and Piccini, the brother
of Marie Antoinette, Emperor Joseph II visited Paris. He ex-
pressed his keen desire to see Franklin and though the Abbe
Niccoli, the representative of the Duke of Tuscany, did his utmost
to bring about a meeting of these men, fate intervened. The abbe
sent an invitation to Franklin to take a cup of chocolate on Wed-
nesday, May 28th. Franklin was of the opinion that this would
give to a meeting with the Emperor the appearance of pure acci-
dent. Turgot was present with Franklin, who writes of the affair
as follows: "The Emperor did not appear, and the Abbe since
tells me that the number of other persons who occasionally visited
him that morning, of which the Emperor was informed prevented
his coming; that at twelve, understanding they were gone, he
came but I was gone also." A meeting of Emperor Joseph and
Franklin is recorded most interestingly in a book entitled Joseph
II Emperor of Germany, and Benjamin Franklin. Joseph and
Benjamin. A Conversation Translated from a French Manu-
script. London, MDCCLXXXVII, an account of which runs
thus.
"The interview between the Emperor of Germany and his
American Excellency was kept a secret ; and that as well as what
passed at the interview was unknown even to the numerous spies
about Paris and Versailles, and except for the accident which dis-
covered all, it might perhaps not have been known for some years,
that these two remarkable men ever saw each other." The atti-
tude of the author, whoever he may be, is thoroughly English,
tinged with the strongest prejudice against France, "which always
has had and always will have designs upon the liberty or im-
portance of other nations". "During the residence of the great
American negotiator, Benjamin Franklin, at Paris, he received
a letter written by the Imperial Joseph, who was then also in that
capitol, under an assumed name. The letter was expressive of
that high esteem, which great abilities gain even from the rulers
of nations, and intimated the intention of the royal stranger, who
had long wished to have personal acquaintance with his American
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 27
Excellency ; and who intended to wait upon him the next day, not
as Emperor, but as a private person, desirous of acquiring knowl-
edge by the conversation of a man, who had distinguished himself
as a philosopher and politician, by sharing in the dangers of a con-
test, which had added the liberty to his country." . . .
. . . "The old philosopher, who had long been accus-
tomed to the company of the great, and who had in every sense
of the word, except he was not rich, become one of that order
himself, embraced with more than ordinary pleasure the oppor-
tunity of conversing with such a man whose abilities and unre-
mitting attention to the promotion of human happiness had long
attracted his esteem. The urbanity which the political hero of
the Western world, had acquired during a long life, added to that
great sense of propriety, for which he is eminently distinguished,
determined him to return an answer in person. He waited upon
the illustrious stranger at his hotel immediately. It was agreed
that they should enjoy each other's company for one day at a
small retired spot a few miles distant from Paris, where the old
philosopher used to rest himself from the fatigues that accom-
pany a political life." . . . "On the following Saturday they
were to have their interview. Scarcely had the venerable old man
arrived from Paris, when his Imperial Visitor alighted from a
post-chaise at the gate. The Imperial Joseph, forgetting the ideal
distinctions of rank, threw his arms around the old man and
embraced him with a cordiality and sincerity that is seldom
manifested or felt by princes.
"The two walked out into a small garden, which, though not
elegant, was sequestered and agreeable; and nature blessed this
extraordinary confidence with her most delightful day. Here
did these illustrious characters meet to discuss their opinions and
exchange their sentiments. They proceeded to philosophize upon
human conditions." One idea discussed runs as follows :
"The King led the conversation by this remark — Tf I were
not Emperor of Germany, I should rejoyce in being an Emperor
of America.' He then continued with a subject of French aggres-
siveness and the need of state funds which led Franklin to reply :
'Your subjects, the Germans, tenacious as they are of customs,
28 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
are more easy to reform than Americans. Your people have
learned the habit of obedience, which will overcome prejudice;
but to a lawless and ungovernable disposition the Americans add
prejudices peculiar to themselves; and if there was a man who
could benefit his country by good code of laws, the Americans
would not adopt them!' " This conversation was to be repeated
on the third day, but no evidence of it is given.
The author satisfies our curiosity as to the means which dis-
close this conversation with this explanation : "All that at present
can be said on this subject is that Accident, but not dishonorable,
not unfair means, has brought this important conversation before
the eyes of the public."
Franklin in reality, highly esteemed the Emperor Joseph, if
we can judge from a letter dated Passy, April 29, 1785, to Jan
Ingen Housz: "Your account of the Emperor's condescending
conversation with you concerning me, is pleasing. I respect very
much the character of that. Monarch, and think this if I were one
of his Subjects, he would find me a good one."^^
(d) Diplomatic Relations With Austria and Prussia.
I. Austria.
Stating briefly the mutual feelings of Austria and the Ameri-
can colonies we can say, that "Prince Kaunitz saw in the close
and intimate friendship between Franklin and Ingen Housz (the
Court Physician of Vienna) a means to perpetrate a treaty at
some future time between their two representative powers. And
there can be no doubt that such a result was due to this inti-
macy."^^
The attitude of the Colonies can be judged from the follow-
ing letter taken from an unsigned draft copy :
"The United States of America to all to whom these present
shall come send Greeting. Whereas his most Christian Majesty our
great and beloved friend and ally hath informed us by his minis-
^ American Philosophical Society (Franklin Papers).
^^ Die Beziehungen Osterreichs su den Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika,
H. Schlitter; pp. 65-66.
Benjamin Frmiklin and Germany 29
ter plenipotentiary whom he hath appointed to reside near us that
their Imperial Majesties the Empress of Russia and the Emperor
of Germany actuated by sentiments of humanity and a desire to
put a stop to the calamities of War have offered their mediation
to the belligerent powers in order to promote peace. Now know
ye we desirous as far as depends upon us to put a stop to the
effusions of blood and convince all the powers of Europe that we
wish for nothing more ardently than to terminate the war by a
safe and honourable peace relying on the justice of our cause and
persuaded of the wisdom and equity of their imperial Majesties
who ever have so generously interposed their good offices for pro-
moting so salutary a measure have constituted and appointed
and by these present do constitute and appoint . . . the Honble.
John Adams late delegate in Congress from the state of Massa-
chusetts, the Honble Benjamin Franklin our minister at the Court
of France, the Honble John Jay late president of Congress and
now our minister at the Court of Madrid, the Honble. Henry
Laurens formerly president of Congress and commissioner &
sent as our agent to the United provinces of the Netherlands and
the Honble. Thomas Jefferson governor of the commonwealth
of Virginia our Minister plenipotentiary giving and granting to
them or such of them as shall assemble or in case of death, ab-
sence, indisposition or other impediment of the others to any one
of them full power and authority in our name and on our behalf,
in concurrence with his most Christian Majesty to accept in due
form the mediation of their Imperial Majesties, the Empress of
Russia and the Emperor of Germany. In testimony whereof we
have caused these present to be signed by our president and
sealed with his seal. Done at Philadelphia, this fifteenth day of
June in the year of our Lord one thousand seven and eighty one
and in the fifth year of our Independence. By the United States
in Congress assembled."^^
Benjamin Franklin in a letter to Thomas Mifflin dated Passy,
December 25, 1783, gives his intentions to take official action.
The letter reads thus :
' Papers of Continental Congress, Vol. I, p. 345.
30 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
"I shall immediately proceed, in pursuance of the first In-
structions, to take the proper steps for acquainting his Imperial
Majesty of Germany with the Disposition of Congress, having
some reason to believe the Overture may be acceptable. His Min-
ister here is of late extremely civil to me, and v\re are on very
good temis. I leave likevirise an Intimate Friend at that Court."^"*
Commissioners for the United States of America to promote
peace between the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Ger-
many were appointed by Congress officially thus :
"The United States of America to all to whom these present
shall come send Greeting. Whereas his most Christian Majesty
our great and beloved friend and ally, hath informed us by his
minister plenipotentiary whom he hath appointed to reside near
us that their imperial Majesties, the Empress of Russia and the
Emperor of Germany actuated by sentiments of humanity and a
desire to put a stop to the calamities of War have offered their
mediation to the belligerent powers in order to promote peace.
Commissioners Appointed.
John Adams,
Hon. Benjamin Franklin,
John Jay,
Henry Laurens,
Thomas Jefferson.
Giving and granting to them or any one of them full power
to accept the mediation of the aforesaid powers.
June 15, I78i."25
Orders to negotiate a treaty read thus :
"By the United States in Congress Assembled.
"October 29th, 1783.
"To the ministers plenipotentiary of the United States of
America at the Court of Versailles empowered to negotiate a
peace to any one or more of them.
"First. You are instructed and authorized to announce to
Library of Congress. Smyth, Vol. IX, p. 67.
Library of Congress.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 31
his Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Germany or his Ministers
the high sense which the United States in Congress Assembled
entertain of his exalted character and eminent virtues and their
earnest desire to cultivate his friendship and to enter into a
Treaty of Amity and Commerce for the mutual advantage of the
Subjects of his Imperial Majesty and the Citizens of the United
States."26
2. Prussia.
It was William Carmichael who made a visit to Berlin in
order to arouse the interest of the Prussian Minister Schulenburo^
in the cause of the American Colonies. His journey was not at
this time an official one, but the following letter of recommenda-
tion from Montessuy shows the encouragement which that gov-
ernment promised Carmichael.
The following letters have been copied by the author from
official photographs of the originals in the Prussian State Archives
in Berlin, through the kindness of Professor Learned :
Montessuy, the Prussian Minister at Paris, wrote to Schulen-
burg, the minister at the Prussian capitol at Berlin, on the loth
of October, 1776: "J^ prends La Liberte de vous adresser Mr.
William Carmichael du Maryland, qui se trouvant icy avec Le
Depute des Colonies Anglaises s'est decide lui Les demands qui
je Lui ai gaittu et a ma sollicitation a se rendu de Votre Excel-
lence— Je desire beaucoup qu'il puisse, etablir quelques Branches
d' Commerce de La Prusse." Already, as early as the 29th of
July that same year, this agent had addressed a letter to his
Majesty: "Les agens des Colonies Anglaises, qui sont depuis peu
ici, m'ont fait demander une quantite assez considerable de Muni-
tion de guerre telles, que fusils Poudre et Canons, sans cesse
occupe de procurer a Vos fitats. Sire un debouche advantageux
du Product de ses Manufactures je serais flatte, d'en pouvoir tirer
ces objets si cela ne contrarie point les vues de V. M. J' attendrai
done les ordres, qu'elle est suppliee de me faire passer a ces sujets
— Ne serait-il pas possible, par suite de cette operation, de faire
" Wharton Diplomatic Correspondence, Vol. V, p. 545. (Original letter
signed by Chas. Thomson.)
32 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
un traite de commerce entre les sujets de V. M. et les Colonies
Anglaises de I'Amerique, dont la balance ne pourrait etre qu'en
faveur de Vos Etats. qu'en tireraient, un double avantage par
un debouche considerable des Matieres premieres et un augmenta-
tion de Marine." Thus we see that this minister personally
favored the propositions which were offered by Mr. Car-
michael, but the Baron Schulenburg was personally a little scep-
tical of this enthusiastic presentation of the matter and we find
this admonition in a letter addressed to Montessuy, on the i6th
of October: "En attendant les reponses detailles des Agens des
dites Colonies je vous conseille serieusement, Monsieur, d'aller
bride en main, et de prendre toutes les precautions possibles, pour
ne vous compromettre en aucune fagon, ou qu'il est absolument
necessaire de sonder le terrain avant que de s'engager a la moin-
dre chose." The arrival of the American envoy in Berlin caused
much inquiry on the matter of his reception on the part of the
representative of the Prussian court. The king received the fol-
lowing from his minister: "Si a I'arriver du Sr. Carmichael je
dois entrer avec lui et en quelle qualite je dois le recevoir?" Fur-
ther he says in a letter to the King October 21, 1776: "Comme
le dit Carmichael pent arriver tons les jours, et que sa qualite
d' Agent muni d'une Patente du Depute general des Colonies An-
glaises en Amerique, pourrait mettre de I'embarras a cette nego-
ciation et meme ne pent convenir aux intentions de Votre Majeste,
il serait sans doute plus convenable de ne recevoir le dit Car-
michael qu'en qualite de simple negociant." On the margin of
this letter is the response of Frederic: "Bene mais cela ne durera
pas parceque les Anglais ont battu Les Colonies." Again the
King treats this matter of commerce between Prussia and the
American Colonies, in a letter of the 2nd of December, in which
he emphasizes the impossibility of a treaty: "quelques favor-
ables, que paroissent les propositions & les idees de commerce du
Sr. Carmichael, on faut cependant rien precipiter avec lui. Les
realiser par un traite formel de commerce c'est chose impossible ;
& un commerce direct a etablir avec sa patrie Me paroit sujet
egalement a mille difficultes."
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 33
William Carmichael addressed the Minister Schulenburg in
the following letter:
"Havre, 19th January, 1777.
". . . Your excellency will no doubt be surprised at not
sooner hearing from me after my return to France, the truth is,
that I wished to be able to give you some satisfaction on the sub-
ject I had the honor of conversing with you on at Berlin and at
the same time to give you the real state of our Situation in Amer-
ica. The Arrival of Mr. Franklin at Paris, almost at the instant
of my return to that City with the multiplicity of affairs in which,
we were consequently involved prevented me from receiving such
a State of our prices and our Shipping for Exportation, and
would put it in my power to tell you whether or not we could
comply with the terms proposed by Mr. Magusch.
"Other arrivals with the opinion of the most Intelligent of
our Merchts. together with our inability of gaining admission on
easy terms with Ports fixed on, unless we would precisely assure
a full supply of that Nation, now oblige me to my great regret
to tell your Excellency, that I see no other method of your Ad-
ministration supplying itself, than by adopting the mode I had
the honor to recommend to Monsieur Magusch, which is to send
Ships with Cargoes of your Manufactures to purchase & import
it themselves. Our Sailors, in the first place are engaged in
Privateering or in the Sei'vice of the Public, to which they are
excited by the prodigious Captures made on the English. The
Public by these had paid in the middle of last October, the whole
Expense of Equipping & Insuring our marine, and Individuals
had amassed large fortunes. In the next place, your Excellency
will please to observe that the whole of our Tobacco & great
part of our rice trade was carried on by British Ships and British
Sailors. The Southern Colonies attended very little to other
Commerce, than that in the West Indies. When they saw our
Intercourse with Britain, heard we had to look out for 6 or eight
hundred ships to Export our Produce & to search employment
for the same number. This their transportation service has done
effectually for their subjects, while it impoverishes the State.
In this respect England shows superior wisdom, for it is lavish
34 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
of blood and treasure to retain while with open arms we court
the rest of Europe, but your nation particularly to accept the
riches derived from our commerce. The articles most necessary
for America (woolens & Linnens) your countries manufacture.
The demand being very great with us. The price for these is
enormous & having little opportunity of exportation our produce
sells for little or nothing. By our last advices Tobacco was at
7 & 9 shillings sterling per ct. & our other produce proportionally
low. Without appearing to cut at all in the matter. Adminis-
tration must employ some of your richest merchts. at first to sup-
ply it. The advantages they will gain will excite others. And as
a direct Commerce will commence from Emden the reputation of
that Port once established & the channel of trade fixed there of
course it will be the mart of Germany for our whole exports.
Would we meet with encouragement from his Majesty, your Ex-
cellency will readily see, that the trade of Hambourgh may be
so molested, as to make its Merchants go to Emden, for similar
reasons to those which the Merchants of Bruges, Antwerp &
Ostend to repair to Amsterdam & Rotterdam. As to the State
of our Public affairs, the campaign is like to end more favorable
for us, than we imagined at the moment we declared our inde-
pendence. And I can assure Your Excellency that Great Britain
has done us more harm by her Gazette & Embassadors, than by
her fleets and Armies : for while British Administration can per-
suade Europe, that our Subjugation is certain that persuasion
disables us from making such effective resistance as we other-
wise should do, however the activity of our Merchants & the
adventurous boldness of our Privateers enable us to continue our
operations thro' the winter, and we shall open the campaign now
with fairer prospects than we have ever hitherto had. For not
really meaning from the first what our Enemies have charged us
with & since obliged us to declare Independence our operations
even for defence were delayed by the Timidity of some & the
prejudices of others. These are all removed since we have fully
discovered the rooted obstinacy of the British administration &
the passive tameness of the Nation. Each of whom we now
regard with that kind of Animosity as will eternally keep alive
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 35
the flame of war untill we are separated forever. I beg leave to
assure Your Excellency that this very general sketch of our pres-
ent situation & disposition is founded on a detail of facts and
correspondence, which more than justify all I have said. I beg
leave to repeat what I had to say to your Excellency at Berlin
that as it is my duty to promote a commercial Intercourse be-
tween the Nations of Europe & the United States, so it will be
my particular pleasure & glory to have done it with his Majesty's
dominion; and in this respect if I can be of any service, I shall
receive your Excellency's command with all respect & pleasure.
I have the honor to be
"Your Excellency's most obedient humble sert.
"Wm. Carmichael.
"Should I have the honor to hear from Your Excellency it
will be made under cover to . . ."
The German translation of this was sent by Magusch and
forwarded to the king by Schulenburg.-"
In response to a letter from the Prussian minister regard-
ing an ambassador from the American Colonies we read :
"Paris, 19th of April, 1777.
"Sir:
"We received the Letter which you did us the honor to write
us the 15 th ult. and should earlier have replied particularly
thereto, but from the Daily expectation we had of receiving
Orders from Congress of the United States on this important
Subject. We have now their commands to inform his Prussian
Majesty's Ambassador here, that they propose to send a minister
to your respected Court with all Commercial Expedition, prop-
erly empowered to treat upon Affairs of Importance; and that
we are in the meantime instructed and authorized by Congress
to solicit the Friendship of your Court, to request that it would
afford no Aid to their Enemies, but use its good Offices to pre-
vent the landing of Troops by other Powers to be transported to
America for their destruction, and to offer the free commerce
Photographs of original letter.
36 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
of the United States to the Subjects of Prussia. . . . We have
taken the earHest Opportunity of obeying those commands. But
considering the great importance of establishing a free Com-
merce, between the two Countries as soon as possible, and con-
fident that every Objection may be obviated and the wished for
intercourse opened and established on the most certain & bene-
ficial Grounds to promote the Interest of both Countries. We
propose that one of us should wait on your Excellency, as soon
as conveniently may be done to explain reasonably the situation
of America, the Nature, Extent & Importance of its Commerce,
and the method by which it may be carried on with Prussia to
mutual advantage.
"In the proposed interview we are confident, the Difficulties
mentioned by your Excellency may be surmounted and a very
considerable Part of American Commerce be turned to Prussia
by measures neither Dangerous nor Expensive. With great Re-
spect we have the honor to be
"Your Excellency's
Most obedient
& most humble Servants,
"B. Franklin,
"Silas Deane,
"Arthur Lee.
"Ministers Plenipotentiary from the Congress
of the United States of America. "^^
In Professor Marion Dexter Learned's Guide to the M ami-
script Materials Relating to American History in the German
State Archives, Washington, 191 2, six important references to
Franklin are found.
I. Prussian Archives, Berlin (p. 30).
1. Plein Poiivoir, given to Adams, Franklin and Jefferson,
to effect the treaty, signed by Thomas Mifflin and Chas. Thom-
son, Sec, May 12, 1784 (p. 31).
2. Thulemeier to the king, relating to declaring the port of
Emden or Stettin free, with a copy of the communication of
" Library of Congress.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 37
Adams, Franklin and Jefferson, requesting free ports, dated
Passy, January, 1785 (2 pp.). Addressed to Thulemeier at the
Hague. The Hague, February 11, 1785 (p. 32).
3. Thulemeier to the king on Franklin's signing of the treaty
and on ratification by Congress, enclosing a copy of the English
translation of the Plcin Pouvoir, etc.
4. Baz'arian Archives, Munich, 5027. Reference made to
Franklin's return from Paris to America, August i, 1783.
5. Prussian Archives, Breslau, Rep. 199, C.-O. (Journal
iiber engangene Cabinets Ordres), No. 4, 1778- 1783. Fol. 366
refers to Franklin in Paris and the commercial relations between
Prussia and America.
6. Kdniglich-Sdchsisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, in Dresden,
2750 Com. XXXVa, Bl. 47, gives Mirabeau's eulogy on Frank-
lin's death.
"Koniglich-Sachsisches Hauptstaatsarchiv, No. 349, H. St. zu
"Dresden, den 26. Marz, 1913.
"Auf Ihr Schreiben vom 15. dieses Monats teilt Ihnen die
unterzeichnete Direktion mit, dass an der von Ihnen bezeichneten
Aktenstelle sich kein Bericht iiber den Tod Benjamin Franklins
vorfindet. Auf Bl. 450 der von Ihnen angefiihrten Akten ist
aber als Beilage zu einem Berichte des Gesandten Riviere die
Rede wiedergegeben, durch die Mirabeau der franzosischen Na-
tionalversammlung den Tod Franklins mitteilte. Abschrift da-
von befindet sich umstehend.
"Direktion des Koniglich-Sachsischen Hauptstaatsarchivs.
"Posse.
"Frdulein Beatrice M. Victory,
"cand. phil., Philadelphia."
"Abschrift!
"Discours de Monsieur le Comte de Mirabeau.
"Francklin est mort ... II est restourne au sein de la
Divinite, le Genie qui affranchit I'Amerique et versa sur I'Europe
des torrens de Lumieres.
"Le sage que deux mondes reclamant, I'homme que se dis-
38 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
putent I'histoire des Sciences et I'histoires des Empires, tenait
sans doute un rang bien eleve dans I'espece humaine.
"Assez longtems les Cabinets politiques ont notifie la mort
de ceux qui ne furent grands que dans leur eloge funebre assez
longtems I'etiquette des Cours a proclame des deuils hyprocrites :
les Nations ne doivent porter que le Deuil de leur bienfaiteurs;
les Representans des Nations ne doivent recommander a leurs
hommages que les heros de I'humanite.
"Le Congres a ordonne, dans les quartorze Etats de la Con-
federation un Deuil de deuz mois pour la mort de Francklin, et
I'Amerique acquitte en ce moment ce tribut de veneration et de
reconnoissance pour I'un des Peres de sa Constitution.
"Ne seroit-il pas digne de vous, Messieurs, de nous unir a
I'Amerique dans cet acte religieux de participer a cet hommage
rendu a la Face de I'Univers, et aux Droits de I'homme, et au
Philosophe qui a le plus contribue a en propager la conquete?
I'Antiquite eut eleve des Autels au puissant Genie, qui, au profit
des Mortels, embrassant dans sa pensee le Ciel et la terre, sut
dompter la Foudre et les Tirans. I'Europe eclairee et libre doit du
moins un temoignage de souvenir et de regret a I'un des plus-
grands hommes qui aient jamais servi la Philosophie et la
Liberte.
"Je propose qu'il soit descrete que I'Assemblee Nationale
partera pendant trois jours le deuil de Benjamin Franklin."
In the extracts from the commissioners' letters to the Com-
mittee of Congress we read, Paris, April 28, 1777 : "As the min-
ister from Prussia may not soon arrive and that court has shown
a disposition to treat, by entering into a correspondence with us
we have thought it might be well that one of us should visit it
immediately, to improve its present good disposition, and obtain
if possible, the privilege of their ports to trade and fit ships in,
and to steal our prizes. Mr. Lee has readily undertaken this
journey."^^ (Price)
The following is the commissioners' letter to the Prussian
minister in regard to this appointment, dated Paris, April 19,
** Library of Congress.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 39
1778, and signed by the three agents, B. Franklin, Silas Deane
and Arthur Lee :
"Sir: . . . We have their commands (the orders of
Congress of the United States) to inform his Prussian Majesty's
Ambassador here that they propose to send a minister to your
respective court with all convenient expedition, properly empow-
ered to treat upon affairs of importance, and that we are in the
meantime instructed and authorized by Congress to solicit the
friendship of your court, to request that it would offer no aid to
their enemies, but use its good offices to prevent the landing of
troops by other powers to be transported to America for their
destruction, and to offer the free commerce of the United States
to the subject of Prussia.
"We have taken the earliest opportunity of obeying these
commands. But considering the great importance of establish-
ing a free commerce between the two countries as soon as
possible, and confident that every objection may be obviated, and
the wished-for intercourse opened and established on the most
certain and beneficial grounds to promote the interests of both
countries, we propose that one of us shall wait on your excellency
as soon as conveniently may be done, to explain personally the
situation of America, the nature, extent and importance of its
commerce and the methods by which it may be carried on with
Prussia to mutual advantage. In the proposed interview we are
confident the difficulties mentioned by your excellency may be
surmounted, and a very considerable of American commerce be
turned to Prussia by measures neither dangerous or expensive."
Arthur Lee, the successor of Carmichael, was selected as the
suitable envoy to be sent to Berlin. "Sanguine in temperment,
creduluous, hasty in action", he demonstrated his nervous spon-
taneity in persistent diplomatic aggressiveness. He informed
Schulenburg of his intended trip as follows: "Sir: In conse-
quence of the letter, with in conjunction with my brother com-
missioners. Dr. Franklin and Mr. Deane, I have the honor of
writing your excellency, I intend to depart from hence to Berlin
before this time. But an accident having happened, which in-
evitably prevents me from setting out, I am under great anxiety
40 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
lest your excellency should impute my delay to a wont of that
perfect respect which I ought to feel for your excellency's court
and character." He continues by giving assurance that his delay
will not be prolonged one moment longer than positively neces-
sary. Schulenburg replied to this on the 20th, acknowledging
the receipt of his letter and also that on the part of the three
American agents, Franklin, Deane and himself: "I still appre-
hend difficulties which may interfere in the present circumstances
with the establishment of a direct commerce between his Majesty's
subjects and the Colonies of North America, and that I consider
our Correspondence on this subject rather as preliminary to what
may come to pass than as negotiations from which any immediate
advantage may be expected. "^° He consoles him in regard to his
forced detention, by the fact that at the best, the matter will be
one of uncertainty and will make the slowest strides of progress.
Lee does not in any way read between the lines, but acting upon
the responsibility of his mission, he proceeded to Berlin and
informed the Prussian minister of his arrival on June 6th and
asked for an interview.
The arrogance of Arthur Lee's spirit must have revolted at
the attitude of the foreign court of Prussia with its conservatism.
On May 8, 1777, he wrote Baron Schulenburg in regard to his
intended visit to Berlin. The reply from the Prussian minister
gave no encouragement, as we read in the letter from him on
May 20th, speaking of the forced delay of which Lee had writ-
ten, ''this leads me to believe, sir, that you have no reason to
distress yourself on account of this delay . . . when you
defer for some time an affair the success of which can not most
probably but be slow." Lee reached Vienna on leaving
Munich, and informed the commissioners of the condition of
the court in this city in a letter dated the 27th of May : "There
is a cold tranquility here that bodes no good. It is not possible
to quicken this German indifference." He reached Berlin on
'" Library of Congress, Wharton Diplomatic Correspondence, Vol. II. p.
306; Sparks' Diplomatic Correspondence, Vol. Ill, p. 418.
See papers now first published from original MSS. by Philadelphia
Seventy-Six Society, 1855.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 41
June 4th and was received in conference by the minister, since the
king was absent at this time from the Prussian capitol. In fact
had he been in the vicinity, he would by no means have received
this representative of the Colonies. He sent lists of commodities,
which might be an incentive for infusing an enthusiasm in the
venture of establishing a commerce, but the condition of the
Prussian fleet at this period, as Frederic repeatedly asserts in his
letters, was such as to warrant the utmost caution on the part of
his country. The theft of Lee's papers in Berlin by an English
emissary and their immediate return, is a story that has been
repudiated and argued to the detriment of the American's diplo-
matic caution and defended again, as an accident entirely beyond
his jurisdiction. The success of his mission he clearly states in a
letter to the commissioners in Paris, dated the 15th of June,
Berlin : "The letters you have received from hence will show
you how the wind blows here; I have tried all in my power to
make it change — hitherto in vain. In ten days I shall set out on
my return. There can not be a state of more quiescence than
prevails in this place; what is merely commercial is planned, but
whether it will be adopted remains to be determined." At last,
thoroughly disgusted with his treatment by the Prussian court,
he retired to Paris in July. The attitude of Lee, however, suf-
fered no whit in its aggressiveness, for we find him missing no
opportunity to offer, by letters, to Schulenburg any inducement
for the encouragement of trade. November 13th of the same
year he wrote to this minister as follows : "... a com-
mission has been received appointing William Lee commissioner
of Congress to the court of Berlin, with power to negotiate a
treaty of amity and commerce with the King of Prussia. The
great knowledge of this gentleman in commerce will enable him
to throw far more light on that subject than I was able to com-
municate." This was received by the court in the most indifferent
manner. "As to the commission of Mr. William Lee, the king
having repeatedly declared his sentiments respecting the actual
difficulties attending a commercial connection with America, not-
withstanding his constant good disposition towards the Colonies,
42 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
can not possibly conjecture, as circumstances have not changed,
what proposition Mr. Lee can make more acceptable to his
majesty, nor consequently what can be the object of his mission."
William Lee in Berlin had less influence than his brother, and had
to remain in incognito in this city; that is, he enjoyed none of
the public honors that attended his diplomatic dignity. Schulen-
burg assured him of the king's interest in all things that pertained
to the growth of his trade. "The king, who always graciously
receives the news you send me, and expresses his satisfaction
when it is in your favor, had seen the passage of your brother's
letter, and I can assure you, sir, that his majesty will not be the
last power to acknowledge your independency ; but you must feel
yourself that it is not natural that he should be the first, and that
France, whose commercial and political interests are more im-
mediately connected with yours, should set the example." At the
breaking out of the war between the emperor and Frederic,
William Lee withdrew from Vienna and retired to Frankfort to
await the final action of the various Powers. It was evident to
the mind of Lee that it was inopportune for either the court of
Berlin or Vienna to take an open part with the cause of the
Colonies, for fear that Hanover would join the forces of the
adversary.
We can sum up these endeavors of the commissioners to
these courts in a word, which embraces failure and yet a certain
degree of success in the final move, which resulted in the estab-
lishment of a trade between the Powers and the independent
thirteen American States.
"Wednesday, June 6, 1781.
"Resolved That the Minister Plenipotentiary be authorised
and instructed to concern in behalf of these United States, with
his most Christian Majesty in accepting the mediation proposed
by the Empress of Russia and the Emperor of Germany. But to
accede to no Treaty of Peace, which shall not be such as may
effectually secure the Independence and sovereignity of the thir-
teen States according to the form and ef¥ect of the Treaties
subsisting between the said States and his most Christian
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 43
Majesty, and in which said Treaties shall not be left in their full
force and vality."^^
This is a proof of the reasons made by the ministers pleni-
potentiary on behalf of securing the desired treaty of peace.
These ministers were John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John
Jay, Henry Laurens and Thomas Jefferson.
On May 7, 1784, we find:
"Resolved That it will be advantageous to the United States
to conclude such treaties with Russia, the Court of Vienna,
Prussia, Denmark, Saxony, Hamburg, Great Britain, Spain,
Portugal, Genoa, Tuscany, Rome, Naples, Venice, Sardinia, and
the Ottoman ports. "^-
Benjamin Franklin authorized, thus made the final move on
the chessboard of diplomacy with the following letter on May 26,
1785, addressed to Baron Thulemeier, the Prussian minister:
"Sir — We received the letter you did us the Honor of Writ-
ing the 3rd inst. and are happy to find that all points of the pro-
posed Treaty being through the King's Goodness and Condescen-
sion now agreed, nothing remains but to transcribe it fairly and
to sign & exchange the Copies according to our Powers, & the
usual Forms. But the Signatures of at least two of our number
being necessary, & Mr. x\dams who has acted with us in the
whole transaction being called away by his mission to the Court
of G. Britain and another of us rendered unable by Age and a
painful malady to perform a hard Journey, there is a Difficulty
in Meeting with Your Excellency for the purpose either of any
intermediate Place, or at that of your Residence which in respect
to the King we might otherwise willing do. We therefore
propose for your consideration, whether tho not usual the acts
would be equally valid, if in case it should not suit you to come
to Paris (where however we should be glad to see you) we were
to sign separately the Instrument, dating our Signatures with
Time and Place, & Exchanging by a Special Messenger who
might deliver to you that which shall be signed by us, to be then
^' Library of Congress.
^'Secret Journals, Vol. Ill, p. 222 ff.
44 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
signed and kept by you and received that signed by your Excel-
lency, we can afterwards sign here, he witnessing both. We
request your Opinion & Determination and are with great
respect. . . ."
John Adams, as American agent at The Hague negotiated
with Baron Thulemeier a treaty with Prussia. The new form
sent by Congress had necessitated a revision of the Prussian
treaty to so large an extent that almost new negotiations were
found ultimately inevitable. The Prussian minister showed him-
self interested and active. The treaty was drawn up between the
parties concerned. The negotiation was carried on by corre-
spondence between Paris and The Hague and was finally signed
by Mr. Adams, Mr. Jefferson and Dr. Franklin in Paris, and by
Baron Thulemeier at The Hague, a special understanding having
been arranged that the agents might sign in different cities. The
Prussian agent says on the 24th of January : "The English lan-
guage being familiar neither to the Prussian Chancery, nor to
the King nor his ministers, it has become necessary that I should
make a French translation, and to prove its exactness, I have
caused it to be placed by the side of the annexed observations."
Of this treaty with Prussia Franklin writes at St. Germain,
twelve miles from Paris, July 18, 1785: "I did my last public
act in this Country just before I set out which was signing a
Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Prussia."^^
To John Jay he writes from Philadelphia, September 19,
1785: "I have the honor to acquaint you that I left Paris the
1 2th of July, and, agreeable to the permission of Congress, am
returned to my own country. . . . Our joint letters have
already informed you of our late proceedings, to which I have
nothing to add, except that the last act I did, as Minister Pleni-
potentiary for making treaties, was to sign with him two days
before I came away, the treaty of friendship, and commerce
that had been agreed on with Prussia and which was to be carried
to the Hague by Mr. Short, there to be signed by Baron Thule-
"^ Library of Congress. Smyth, Benjamin Franklin, Vol. IX, p. 133.
*' Letter in possession of Mrs. E. B. Holden. Printed in Smyth, Vol. IX,
P 363-
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 45
meyer on the part of the King, who without the least hesitation
had approved and conceded to the new humane articles proposed
by Congress. "^^
Franklin writes to his old friend, Jan Ingen Housz, June
2y, 1786, from Philadelphia: "You will see in the Treaty we
have made with Prussia some marks of my Endeavors to lessen
the Calamities of future wars."^®
Franklin had received offers from other ministers of Ger-
many, as he says : "The Elector of Saxony, as I understand from
his Minister, here, has thoughts of sending one to Congress, and
proposing a treaty of Commerce and Amity with us. Prussia has
likewise an inclination to share in a Trade with America, and the
Minister of that Court, tho' he has not directly propos'd a Treaty,
his given me a Pacquet of Lists of several sorts of Merchandise
they can furnish us with, which he requests me to send to Amer-
ica for the Infonnation of our Merchants. "^'^
(e) Attitude of Louis XVI Tozvard England and the American
Colonies.
The attitude of Louis XVI toward England in the year
1776 was quite similar to that of Frederic of Prussia. Unlike
him, France had been in direct conflict with her enemy in the
New World. Europe had been the arena for the wild tigers and
lions to tear each other to pieces for seven direful years. The
wonderful strategy of the Prussian ruler against the enormous
force of Russia and Austria combined, we have already seen. In
the face of the glories of Frederic the Great, France found her-
self humbled and utterly defeated on all sides. Most especially
she suffered under the lash of Britain in the North American
Colonies; although France was necessarily but awaiting an op-
portunity to repay the foe in her own coin. Frederic hesitated
and refused to give support to the revolutionists, although he felt
''^Private Correspondence of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. II, p. 425. Smyth,
Vol. IX, p. 463, Journals of Congress.
'^ Library of Congress. Printed in Smyth, Vol. IX, p. 520. ■
" Library of Congress. Printed in Smyth, IX, p. 67. Printed in Sparks'
Diplomatic Correspondence, Vol. IV, pp. 84, 107, 109.
4-6 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
their indomitable intent to win or die. Would the French mon-
arch venture in where others feared to tread? The French
people were already at this early date stirred to their souls by
the grand and glorious theme of social equality. The entire
nation reached out its hand to the new strugglers for human
rights. This was France when Franklin reached Bordeaux. She
was a nation hostile to Great Britain by the long continued tradi-
tion of centuries, an humbled nation, smarting to recover her lost
prestige and to console her wounded pride, a nation whose heart
was just beginning to throb with new ideas, but saw these new
conceptions trampled on, in danger of being crushed by this
hereditary and victorious foe. She was also a nation which saw
in the American trade an object worth striving for. It was
natural that the United States should turn to France first among
the nations of Europe. America naturally could not feel as
assured of the other nations, but to lose no opportunity of any
possible assistance, she wisely sent her agents to the courts of
Austria, Spain, Russia, Prussia and the United Netherlands. In
the Seven Years' War Spain had felt keenly the goad of England's
enmity, but her possessions in America would not tend to induce
her action in any support of the insurgents. Austria and Prussia
were more closely af^liated in their relations to France than to
the assumptions of Britain. Franklin's task, however, was not
an easy one and although the main field of his action was France
and, in the narrower term, Paris, still he was the most responsible
agent of all those sent, and it was through him as the final author-
ity of the official jurisdiction of the home Congress that any
treaties or alliances were formulated.
"It would be difficult to describe the eagerness and delight
with which the American envoys, the agents of a people in a
state of insurrection against their monarch, were received in
France, in the bosom of an ancient monarchy. Nothing could
be more striking than the contrast between the luxury of our
capitol, the elegance of our fashions, the magnificance of Ver-
sailles, the still brilliant remains of Monarchical pride of Louis
XIV, and the polish and superb dignity of our nobility on the
one hand, and on the other hand, the almost rustic apparel, the
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 47
plain but firm demeanor, the free and direct language of the
enjoys, whose antique simplicity of dress and appearance seem to
have introduced within our walls, in the midst of the effiminate
and servile refinement of the eighteenth century, some sages
contemporary with Plato or republicans of the age of Cato and
Fabius. This unexpected apparition, produced upon us a greater
effect in consequence of its novelty, and of its occurring precisely
at a period when literature and philosophy had circulated amongst
us an usual desire for reforms, a disposition to encourage innova-
tions and the seeds of an ardent attachment to liberty."^''*
Franklin had readily won the hearts of all, being gifted to
read and observe human nature with unfailing accuracy. "His
calmness and prudence" were certainly grave faults in the eyes
of such an impatient nature as Arthur Lee and several other
members of the commission at Paris, but his was the most vital
and potent force in the field of diplomacy.
' Parton's Franklin, p. 211.
CHAPTER III.
Franklin's Visit to Germany.
(a) Evidences of His Visit.
The year of 1766 was a very memorable one for Franklin.
In February of that year he underwent his famous examination
in the House of Commons, relative to the repeal of the American
Stamp Act. There was no event in Franklin's life more credit-
able to his talents and character or which gave him so much
celebrity as this examination before the House of Commons. In
that year he was made a member of the Konigliche Gesellschaft
der Wissenschaften at Gottingen. This fact is authenticated by
the Gottingische Anzcigen von Gelchrten Sachen, 1766, Vol. I,
Art. no, which reads, dated 13th of September, 1766:
"Die Versammlung der Koniglichen Societat am 19. Juli war
feierlich, als gewohnlich. Die beiden Englischen beri'ihmten
Gelehrten, der Konigl. Leibmedicus Herr Pringle und Benjamin
Franklin aus Pensilvanien, die damals auf einer Reise nach
Deutschland, sich in Ciottingen sich [sic] befanden, nehmen als
Mitglieder ihre Stelle ein."
In this same magazine, dated 8th and nth of September,
1766, in articles 147 and 148, we find:
"Hierauf erzahlte der Herr Sekretar die neuesten Verande-
rungen die sich in der Konigl. Societat zugetragen haben. Sie
hat gleich im Anfange dieses Jahres, drei beriihmte Englische
Gelehrte, den Doct. Robert Lowth, jetzt Bischofen von Oxford,
den Herrn Doctor Benjamin Rennicourt, Professor der Theologie
zu Oxford, und Herrn Doct. John Pringle, Leibmedicum Ihrer
Majestat des Konigs und nebst ihnen den Churfiirstl. Herrn C.
L. von Hagedorn, zu auswartigen Mitgliedern aufgenommen ;
und ferner im Sommer den Herrn Aug. Ludwig Schlosser zu
Petersburg, der schon seit einigen Jahren ihr Correspondent
gewesen, hier bei seiner Auswesenheit und den Herrn Benjamin
Franklin aus Pennsylvanien bei seiner Durchreise durch Got-
tingen dazu genannt."
(48)
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Personal Dkdication ok Franklin to thl Royal
Academy of Science at Gottingen, Found in the
Library of the University of Gottingen.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 49
Again from V^rsuch eincr acadcmischcn Gelehrten-
Geschichte von Georg-Augustiis Univcrsitdt mi Gottingen, 1765-
1788. Band II, S. 281, von Johann Stephan Putters; Professoren
des Staatsrechts zu Gottingen, is this notice of this same matter :
"Aus anderen Landern sind seit noch folgende neue MitgHeder
aufgenommen (i) In der Physichen Classe (8) Sir John
Pringle Med. D. Konigin von England Leibartzt 1766- 1782:
(9) Benjamin Franklin."
Johann David Michaelis, Schrcibcn an Hcrrn Prof. Schlozcr
die Zeitrechmmg vom Siindflut bis atif Salomon betreffend
writes thus : "Als Franklin vor einigen Jahren, mich diinkt
1766, in Gottingen war, versicherte mir dieser grosse Kenner
seines Vaterlandes und genaue Mathematiker, die Englischen
Colonien in Nord Amerika verdoppelten sich alle 25 Jahre."^^
Another proof of the high esteem in which Franklin held
the institution of Gottingen is seen in the dedication in his own
writing in a copy of his Experiments and Observations On Elec-
tricity Made at Philadelphia, London, 1769 :
"To the Royal Academy of Sciences
at Grottingen
As a small Token
of his Respect and Duty,
This Book is humbly presented
by the Author."—
The University of Gottingen contains two copies of this
work of Dr. Franklin.
In the Pyrmonter Brunnenarcliiv, which contains a list of
guests at Pyrmont from 1752, published in Berlin, 1782, we read
this entry under the year 1766 : ''Leibmedicus Ritter Pringle aus
London und Dr. Franklin aus Pennsylvanien kommt aus
London."
The University of Gottingen was founded by George II in
1734 and here Americans and Hanoverians found themselves
under the same monarch. We owe to Franklin the awakening of
interest in America for the German universities, for previous to
'° Gottingisches Magadn dcr IVisscuschaffcn und Littcratiir. Herausge-
geben von Georg Christoph Lichtenberg und Georg Forster. 5 Stiick, erster
Jahrgang, S. 165.
50 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
his personal knowledge of this institution, Americans were wont
to cross the seas to study in Cambridge or Oxford or the Scotch
universities.
Franklin's visit excited the highest interest in Germany.
But the importance of his visit for America was not this interest
which he awakened in the German fatherland, but the seed which
took root in Franklin's breast to establish an American Gottingen,
which bore fruit in the establishment of the public college of the
City of Philadelphia — since 1779 the present University of Penn-
sylvania. With Franklin we have the human link of fellowship,
which was born then and which has since so strongly tied Ger-
many and the United States in bonds of friendship and good
feeling.
Franklin's companion on this journey, as later on his visits
to France, was Sir John Pringle, who advised Franklin to join
him on his eight weeks' tour, stopping first at Pyrmont for the
waters. Dr. Franklin upon arriving there decided that air,
exercise and a change of scene might be beneficial and filed with
a desire to know more of the country which he was visiting for
the first and last time, left his good friend and visited the prin-
cipal cities nearest Prymont. We have record only of his visits
at Gottingen and Hanover.
"His Philosophical discoveries and writings have given him
a wider fame on the Continent than even in England or at home,
for in Germany, he was not the subject of party enmity, probably
little was yet known of his political importance, and the Germans
content with the fact that he was the delegate of his countrymen
abroad were satisfied with that evidence, that the great philoso-
pher was no less a statesman. The results of his examination
before the House of Commons which did more than anything
else to give him celebrity as a political economist had not then
been published."^^^
The following letter from Lafayette shows the general in-
terest Franklin had aroused in Germany, and also the attitude of
the Germans of the upper circle toward the revolution:
Hale, Franklin in France, p. 7.
Bcnjainin Franklin and Germany 51
"Paris, Feb. loth, 1789.
"My dear friend
"With Unspeakable Satisfaction I have heard of your safe
arrival in America, and Heartily wished I Had been Mingled in
the Happy crowd of My fellow Citicens when they saw you set
your foot on the Shore of Liberty. When your friends in Paris
met together their first word was to talk of You. The wishes for
your fortunate Voyage and pleasing sight of your family and
friends Became a National Sentiment — in my tour through Ger-
many I have Been Asked thousand questions about you, when I
felt equally proud and Happy to Boast of our Affectionate in-
timacy.
"Prussia and the Austria dominions with some parts of the
German Empire the liberties of which are to much spoke of in
treaties and to little felt by the people Have been the object of my
Very Agreeable journey — the fine class of the people I found
misinformed with respect to American affairs — What may be
wrong they know perfectly, with an addition of thousand lies and
I wish no ground was left for our enemies to Broach those lies
upon and altho they Have a due respect and enthusiastic admira-
tion for the virtues displayed By Amerika during the War — it is
a matter of doubt with them if free Constitutions can support
themselves (some sensible and sad feeling men excepted particu-
larly Prince Henry) — the king of Prussia Himself is Blinded
by Habit and prejudices.
"That Monarch's health is very Bad — The New Emperor's
temper not very quiete — But Great Britain's Affairs Being embar-
rassed and our politics very pacific I don't think any storm is to
Be feared — I have been very Happy to hear You Have Accepted
the presidency of Pennsylvania. . . .
"Yours, Lafayette."-*!
In the correspondence to Franklin we find but one letter
which throws light upon his visit to Hanover. This is a letter
from Johann Friedrich Hartmann, written in Latin, dated the
Calendes of October, 1767, in which he says: "Often have I
recalled the happy occasion, when I was permitted to see and talk
The American Philosophical Society. Franklin Papers.
52 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
with you privately. The Prince of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt had
sent to Gottingen a special emmissary to offer his salutations to
Franklin, but unfortunately the latter left that very day; and the
hope of seeing him was frustrated."^- The knowledge we have
of this Hartmann is that he was noted among his contemporaries
for his electrical investigations, and was head of the Royal
Hospital and a prominent physician in Hanover. In the
Gottingischen Anzeigen, bearing the date of September 27, 1766,
we read that Pringle and Franklin visited Mr. Hartmann in
Hanover, in order to see his apparatus for strong electrical ex-
periments. No doubt it was through Sir John Pringle that the
interest between Hartmann and Franklin was mutually aroused.
That Franklin knew himself at least the names of famous
men, noted for their electrical experiments, is proved in a letter
to his friend, Peter Collinson, in which he says, describing a
dinner, to be given in Philadelphia: "A Turkey to be killed for
our dinner by the electrical shock, and roasted by the electrical
jack before a fire kindled by the electrified bottle, when the
healths of all the famous electricians in England, Holland, France
and Germany are to be drunk from electrified bumpers under the
discharge of guns from the electrical battery."''^
Franklin introduced into England the pulse-glass, by which
water is made to boil in a vacuum by the heat of the hand.
Nairne, the mathematical instrument maker, made a number of
them from the one that Franklin brought from Germany. He
speaks of this in a letter to John Winthrop, London, July 2,
1768: "An ingenius artist here, Mr. Nairne, mathematical instru-
ment maker, has made a number of them from mine, and im-
proved them, for his are much more sensible than those I brought
from Germany."^^, ^^
It seems that he may have received these pulse-glasses from
the physician Dr. Hartmann. He writes again of this same mat-
ter: "When I was last year in Germany, I met with a singular
" Amer. Philos. Society.
*^ Experiments and Observations on Electricity, p. 21.
** Experiments and Observations on Electricity, p. 486.
*' Smyth, Vol. 5, p. 140.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 53
kind of glass being a tube about 8 inches long, half-inch in diam-
eter, with a hollow ball of near an inch diameter at one end, and
one of an inch and half at the other, hermetically sealed, and
half filled with water. ""^^
In the Literarischer Briefwechsel of Johann David Michaelis,
by Johann Gottlieb Buhle (pp. 214-218), we read letters written
by Sir John Pringle to him dated London, the 6th of May, 1766,
in which Pringle acknowledges the receipt of a diploma from the
Royal Society at Gottingen and expressed at this late date, the
delay being due to illness^ his high sense of the dignity of the
honor which he shall always reckon as one of the most fortunate
circumstances of his life, but he mentions nothing in regard to
his friend and companion Franklin, who no doubt made his own
acknowledgment, although the letter has been lost, or else hidden
away where the hands of research have not as yet reached it.
Again, London, September 6, 1766, he writes: "I cannot
conclude without giving You the strongest assurances of my
grateful remembrance of all Your civilities, and the pleasure,
which I enjoyed in your company during my stay in Gottingen. I
have had the satisfaction, not only to acquaint Baron Miinch-
hausen and Baron Behr with the good effects of their letters,
in procuring to my companion Dr. Franklin and to myself the
attentions and conversations of so many learned gentlemen, as
we had the good fortune to be introduced to there, but likewise
to add this circumstance to the account, which I had the honor to
give His Majesty of the flourishing state of His University
abroad."
Pringle three years later from London, June 2, 1769, wrote:
"When I had the pleasure of seeing you at Gottingen, Dr. Frank-
lin and I were among the first to inform you of the accounts, we
had received of the great size of the Patagonians." The matter
he finds has been exaggerated. In conclusion he wrote thus :
"I beg, Dear Sir, to have my best respects presented to the Ladies
and Gentlemen, I had the pleasure to see in Your House, and the
other members of Your Learned Society. Dr. Franklin who is
' Smyth, Vol. 5, p. 139.
54 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
still here and whom I see often, desires me to make you and
them the same compliment."'*'^
Franklin, when he arrived in Germany, had just made his
presence and his influence felt in England by his statements be-
fore the House of Commons, and the fresh air of Germany may
have appealed to him after the hot atmosphere of argumentation,
which the storm of the repeal of the Stamp Act had not yet
cooled. No letters of that period written by his hand can be
found, although his visit lasted from June 15 to August 13, 1766.
He seems to have kept no note of these travels. Perhaps these
may have been mislaid, if made at all, as he says in his Autobiog-
raphy: "In truth I found myself incorrigible with respect to order
and now I am grown old and my memory bad, I feel very sensibly
the want of it." The journey was made in the midst of a very
exciting period of his life and he must have enjoyed his visit
because of his desire, keenly expressed to revisit Germany, as he
writes later to Jan Ingen Housz, Passy, October 2, 1781 : "I
last Year requested of Congress to release me from this Service
that I might spend the evening of Life more agreeably in philo-
sophic Leisure; but I was refused. H I had succeeded it was my
Intention to make the Tour of Italy, with my Grandson, pass
into Germany and spend some time happily with you. Whom I
have always loved, ever since I knew you with uninterrupted
affection."48
Johann August Bauer, in his Franklin und Washington,
page 99, speaks of this visit thus: "Im Verlauf des Jahres 1766
machte Franklin eine Reise durch Holland und Deutschland und
ward von alien Gelehrten in diesen Landern mit der grossten Ach-
tung aufgenommen."
Speaking of general conditions in Europe at the outbreak of
the American Revolution, Julian Schmidt expresses his opinion
thus, in his Geschichte des gestrigen Lebens in Deutschland von
Leibnitz bis aiif Lessing (1681-1781), Leipzig, 1864, Bd. II, S.
209, thus: "Man weiss welches Aufsehen Franklin's Besuch in
" Literarischer Briefwechsel J. D. Michaelis, von Joh. Gottlieb Buhle.
Band II, S. 214-218.
■" American Philosophical Society.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 55
Enropa machte, auch in Gottingen, wo er sich im Herbst 1766
aufhielt, betrachtete man diese originelle Figur mit Aufmerk-
samkeit."
(b) Franklins References to Absence.
References to absence in Germany were made by Franklin
in several letters. On September 27, 1766, in a letter addressed
to his "dear friend and neighbor", Mr. Charles Thomson. From
London he writes : "I received your very kind Letter of May
20th, which came here while I was absent in Germany. ""^^ Again,
Craven Street, London, October 4, 1766, he makes reference
to his absence abroad in a letter to an unknown correspond-
ent.''^'' Again on October nth of that same year, he addresses a
letter to Mrs. Deborah Franklin : "I received your kind little
Letter of Aug. 26th by the Packet. I suppose they imagined I
should not be returned from Germany. . . ." Again on De-
cember 13th, he writes to Mrs. Franklin: "Since my last I have
received your kind letters of Sept. 28th and Oct. 9th. I won-
dered you had not heard of my return from Germany, as I wrote
by the August Packet, and by a Ship from Holland, just as I
was coming over."^"
He had already sent a letter from London June 1 3th to Mrs.
Franklin telling of this proposed trip to Germany : "I wrote you,
that I had been ill lately. I am now nearly well again, but feeble.
Tomorrow I set out with my friend Dr. Pringle (now Sir John)
on a journey to Pyrmont where he goes to drink the waters ; but
I hope more from the air and exercise, having been used as you
know, to have a journey once a year, the want of which last year,
has, I believe, hurt me so that, though I was not quite to say sick,
I was often ailing last winter and through the spring. We must
be back at fartherest in eight weeks, as my fellow-traveller
is the Queen's physician, and has leave for no longer, ... I
propose to leave him at Pyrmont and visit some of the principal
*' Original MS. New York Historical Society.
*'a American Philosophical Society.
°° American Philosophical Society.
56 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
cities nearest to it, and call for him again when the time for our
return draws nigh."^^
Again in a letter to Robert R. Livingston from Passy June
22, 1783, he writes, expressing a wish to know the status of
affairs in the new arrangement of foreign affairs and refers to
this visit. The Swedish ambassadors having offered his grand-
son the position of American ambassador, and the Danish min-
ister having been generous in a similar offer, Franklin says : "But
it is not my Custom to solicit Employments for myself, or any
of my Family, and I shall not do it in this case. I only hope that
if he is not employed in your arrangement, I may be informed
of it as soon as possible, that while I have Strength left for it, I
may accompany him in a Tour to Italy, returning through Ger-
many, which I think he may make to more Advantage with me
than alone, and which I have long promised him as a reward for
his faithful Service and his tender filial Attachment to me."^-
Of the letters written to Franklin referring to this visit, we
may add one dated Alfreton, August 10, 1766, which reads as
follows : "Dear Sir : By this I expect you are returned to London
from your Germany tour. Which I hope has been pleasing to you,
& useful to Sr. John Pringle. . . ." This is signed Ant (hony)
Tissington.^^
"American Philosophical Society. Printed in Sparks, Vol. VII, p. 320.
*** Library of Congress.
"American Philosophical Society.
CHAPTER IV.
Franklin's Knowledge of Things German.
(a) At Home.
We shall mention here but one instance which shows the
clear insight that Franklin possessed of the character of the Penn-
sylvania Germans of his period. This we read in his letter to
Peter Collinson dated Philadelphia, May 9, 1753 : *T am per-
fectly of your mind, that measures of great temper are necessary
with the Germans ; and am not without apprehensions that through
their indiscretion or ours, or both, great disorders may one day
arise among us. Those who come hither are generally the most
stupid of their own nation and, as ignorance is often attended
with credulity when knavery would mislead it and with suspicion
when honesty would set it right ; and as few of the English un-
derstood the German language, and so cannot address them
either from the press or the pulpit, it is almost impossible to
remove any prejudices they may entertain. Their clergy have
very little influence on the people, who seem to take a pleasure
in abusing and discharging the ministers on every trivial occa-
sion. Not being used to liberty, they know not how to make a
modest use of it. And as Colben says of the young Hottentots,
that they are not esteemed men until they have shown their man-
hood by beating their mothers, so these seems not to think them-
selves free, until they can feel their liberty in abusing and insult-
ing their teachers. Thus they are under no restraint from
ecclesiastical government; they behave, however, submissively
enough at present to the civil government which I wish they may
continue to do; for I remember when they modestly declined
intermeddling in our elections, but now they come in droves and
carry all before them, except in one or two counties. Few of
their children in the country know English. They import many
books from Germany; and of the six printing-houses in the
provinces two are entirely German, two half German half English,
and but two entirely English. They have one German news-
(57)
58 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
paper and one half-German. Advertisements, intended to be
general are now printed in Dutch and English. The signs in our
streets have inscriptions in both languages, and in some places
only in German. They begin of late to make all their bonds and
other legal instruments in their own language, which (though
I think it ought not to be) are allowed good in our courts, when
the German business so increases, that there is continued need
of interpreters; and I suppose in a few years they will also be
necessary in the Assembly, to tell one half our legislators what
the other half say.
"In short unless the stream of their importation could be
turned from this to other colonies, as you very judiciously pro-
pose, they will soon so out number us, that all the advantages we
have will in my opinion, be not able to preserve our language,
and even our Government will become precarious. The French,
who watch all advantages, are now themselves making a German
settlement back of us, in the Illinois country, and by means of
these Germans they may in time come to an understanding with
ours; and indeed in the last war our Germans showed a general
disposition that boded us no good. For, when the English who
were not Quakers, alarmed by the danger arising from the de-
fenseless state of our country, entered unanimously into an asso-
ciation, and within this government and the lower countries
raised, arms and disciplined near 10,000 men, the Germans, ex-
cept a very few in proportion to their number, refused to engage
in it, giving out, one amongst another, and even in point, that if
they were quiet, the French, should they take the country would
not molest them. At the same time abusing the Philadelphians
for fitting out privateers against the enemy and representing the
trouble, hazard, an expense of defending the province, as a
greater inconvenience than any that might be expected from the
change of government. Yet I am not for refusing to admit them
entirely into our colonies. All that seems to me necessary is to
distribute them more equally, mix them with the English, estab-
lish English schools where they are now too thickly settled; and
take some care to prevent the practice lately fallen into by some
of the ship-owners of sweeping the German gaols to make up the
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 59
number of their passengers. I say, I am not against the admis-
sion of Germans in general, for they have their virtues. Their
industry and frugahty are exemplary. They are excellent hus-
bandmen and contribute generally to the improvement of the
country.''^"*
Peter Collinson having received Franklin's account of the
condition of German affairs in the Colonies, answers this on the
i2th of August, 1752, as follows:
"Your impartial Account of the State of the Germans came
very Seasonably to awake the Legislature to take some Measures
to check the Increase of their Power. — A Copy was Desir'd by
the Members for the German Affairs to show Mr. Pelham, . . .
I have drawn up 7 proposals which you shall See. . . .
"Hints Humbly proposed to Incorporate the Germans more
with the English & check the Increase of their power.
"i. To establish more English schools amongst the Germans.
"2. To Encourage them to Learn English. To let an act of
Parliament pass by Gr. Britain to disqualify every German from
accepting a place of Trust or prominence Civil or military unless
both He and His Children can speak English intelligibly.
"3. To prohibit any Deeds, Bonds or Writings to be made
in the German Language.
"4. To suppress all German printing Houses that print only
German.
"5. To prohibit all importation of German books.
"6, To encourage Marriages of Germans with English.
"7. To Discourage the Sending More Germans to the Pro.
of Pennsylvania."*^^.
(b) Abroad.
Franklin knew well conditions of American trade in Ger-
many. In his article entitled "The Interest of Great Britain Con-
sidered with regard to Her Colonies and the acquisitions of
Canada and Guadaloupe to which are added Observations con-
cerning the increase of Mankind, Peopling of Countries &c."
Amer. Philos. Society. Franklin Papers.
Amer. Philos. Society.
6o Benjamin Franklin and Germany
London. Printed for T. Becket, at Tullyhead near Surrey St. in
the Strand. M D CC LX. . . ., speaking of the trade condi-
tions says, "The inland parts of the continent of Europe are
farther from the Sea than the limits of settlement proposed for
America. Germany is full of tradesmen and artificers of all kinds
and the governments there are not all of them always favorable
to commerce of Britain, yet it is a well known fact that our
manufactures find their way even into the heart of Germany.
Ask the great manufacturers and merchants of the Leeds, Shef-
field^ Birmingham, Manchester and Norwich goods and they will
tell you, that some of them send their riders frequently through
France or Spain and Italy up to Vienna; and back through the
middle and northern parts of Germany to show samples of their
wares and collect orders, which they receive by almost every mail
to a vast amount. Whatever charges arise on the carriage of the
goods are added to the value, and all paid by the consumer. . . .
", . . I say if these nations purchase and consume such
quantities of our goods, notwithstanding the remoteness of their
situation from the sea ; how much less likely is it that the settlers
in America, who must for ages be employ'd in agriculture chiefiy,
should make cheaper for themselves the goods our manufacturers
at present supply them with ; . . ."^®
He writes to John Winthrop from Paris, May i, 1777, this
account of the conduct of the German princes : "The Conduct of
those Princes of Germany, who have sold the Blood of their
People, has subjected them to the Contempt and Odium of all
Europe. The Prince of Anspach, whose recruits mutinied and
refus'd to march, was obliged to disarm and fetter them and
drive them to the sea side by the help of his Guards; himself
attending in Person in his return he was publicly hooted by Mobs
thro' every Town he passed in Holland, with all sorts of re-
proachful Epithets. The King of Prussia's Humour of obliging
those Princes to pay him the same Toll per Head for the Men
they drive thro' his Dominions, as used to be paid him for their
^^ Sparks, Franklin, Vol. 7, p. 71 ff. Philadelphia Historical Society.
Presented to Rev. Dr. Mayhew, from his humble servant, the Author.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 6i
Cattle, because they were sold as such, is generally spoken of
with Approbation, as containing a just reproof of those
Tyrants. "^'^'
Franklin has treated again the sale of the Hessians in one
of his Jeux d'esprit, a "Letter written from the Count De Schaum-
bergh to the Baron Hohendorf, Commanding the Hessian Troop
in America". He also showed his keen wit in his "Edict of the
King of Prussia", which stirred up so much excitement in England
at the time of its appearance. So true was the delineation of the
King of Prussia's character, that many felt confident of the au-
thenticity of this edict.
(c) Franklin's Knozdedge of the German Language.
How much knowledge did Franklin have of the German
language ? We read in a letter to Cadwallader Colden, Philadel-
phia, September 14, 1752, the following: "Send me if you please,
the translation of your piece into High Dutch. I understand a
little of the German language and will peruse and return it."^^
On June 21, 1782, he writes to Ingen Housz : ' "The Imperial
Ambassador has had the Goodness two or three times to offer
the conveyance of Letters to you ; and I have so often promised to
make use of that conveyance & fully intended it but something
or other had always prevented it. I have a few days since re-
ceived your favor of April 24th, thro' the hands of Mr. Fave, who
is so kind as to promise taking care of an Answer & it is to his
care that I propose committing this. He had also delivered to
me the German Edition of your Opuscule. There are several
places in it which I much desire to read; but I will wait for the
French, as that will be easier for me, having for these many years
been but little accustomed to the German. "^^
Again : "I should be glad to see your Piece on the Electro-
phore when it is published in English or French. I do not en-
tirely read the German." October 2, 1781.^*^
"The Library of Congress. The American Philosophical Society. Hale,
Franklin in France, Vol. i, p. 106.
" Smyth, Vol. 3, p. 98.
" Smyth, Vol. 8, p. 312.
"American Philosophical Society.
62 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
On the top of a German letter from Baron von Steuben to
Franklin, January i, 1783, inquiring as to the welfare of his son,
General Lieutenant von Steuben, the Doctor has written, "Mr.
Franklin wishes to know the purport of this letter". This shows
again his limited knowledge of German.
Franklin, in a letter to David Hume in answer to a remon-
strance by that gentleman against the introduction of newly
coined words in the Canada Pamphlet^ gives us the impression
that he was not entirely ignorant of German literary style when
he says : "The introducing new words when we are already pos-
sessed of old ones sufficiently expressive I confess must be gen-
erally wrong, as it tends to change the language, yet at the same
time, I cannot but wish the useage of our tongue permitted mak-
ing new words, when we want them, by composition of old ones,
whose meanings are already well understood. The German allows
of it, and it is a common practice with their writers. "^^
" Smyth, Vol. I, p. 41.
CHAPTER V.
Franklin's Fame in Europe — Germany.
Franklin's fame in Europe reached far beyond the boundaries
of France, in fact stretched across the continent from Russia into
Spain. He enjoyed the honor of being a member or associate
member of the following foreign institutions:
1. Fellow of the Royal Society of London, 1756.
2. University of St. Andrew's, Scotland, 1759.
3. Member of the Royal Society of Sciences, Gottingen,
1766.
4. Learned Society of Sciences, Rotterdam, 1771.
5. Royal Academy of Sciences of Paris, 1772.
(One of eight foreign members.)
6. Royal Medical Society of Paris, 1777.
7. Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, Padua, 1781.
8. Royal Society at Edinburgh, 1783.
9. Royal Society of Physics, National History and Arts of
Orleans, March 18, 1785.
10. Academy of Sciences, Literature and Arts of Lyons,
June 2, 1785.
11. Society of Agriculture, Milan, 1786.
12. Honorable Member of Medical Society in London, 1787.
13. Imperial Academy of Sciences of Saint Petersburg, 1789.
Europe was thrilled to its depth by the answer which Frank-
lin had given to their eager curiosity of natural phenomena. "The
great epigram created by the good Turgot — Eripuit Caelo Ful-
men Sceptrumque Tyrannis — explains the incredible almost fab-
ulous popularity, in which Franklin was held in Europe. He
was the living presence of the new age, the incarnation of democ-
racy, the successful antagonist of tyrants, the builder of happy
states founded upon justice and freedom. With whatsoever
modesty he disclaimed the honor of Turgot's epigram the world
persisted in imputing to him alone the creation of the Republic
and the triumphant leadership of the 'dear insurgents'. "**-
Smyth, Vol. 10, p. 361.
(.63)
64 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Again we read a German appreciation of Franklin ("Der
schlaue Franklin", as he is often called ) as follows: "Der Natur-
mensch Rousseaus war ein Traumgebilde, die Helden Plutarchs
lebten nur noch in der Phantasie, aber der schlaue Quaker Frank-
lin war handhafte Wirklichkeit. Der beriihmte Erfinder des Blitz-
ableiters, der aus einem armen Setzerlehrling sich durch eigene
Kraft zu einem der ersten Manner seines Volkes emporgearbeitet
hatte, nahm sich von der tJberbildung kranken Frankreichs wirk-
lich aus, wie der Sendling einer neuen Welt und einer besseren
Zeit."«2
(a) Franklin's Reputation in the Eighteenth Century in Germany.
The first mention of Dr. Franklin in German literature of
the eighteenth century we find in a book of travel, written by
Peter Kalm, the Swedish investigator, sent to North America at
the cost of the Swedish Academy of Sciences. This work was
translated into German by Johann Andreas Murray, who was
Professor of Botany at the University of Gottingen, when Frank-
lin visited there in 1766.^"*
Professor Murray tells us, speaking of the frequent refer-
ences made by Kalm to information gained from Franklin: "Der
Verfasser beruft sich auch ofters auf H. Franklin; aber hat ihn
nicht allezeit genau genug verstanden." In Vol. II, we read: "Der
Herr Benjamin Franklin dem Pennsylvanie fiir so viele Ver-
dienste um sein Wohlcrgeben und die gelehrte Welt, fiir die vielen
neuen Entdeckungen in der Electricitat verpflichtet ist, war der
erste, der mich bekannt machte. Er gab mir notigen Unterricht,
und erwies mir seine Gewogenheit auf mannigfaltige Art." This
is Kalm's acknowledgment of Franklin's letters of introduction
to friends and institutions in America. Franklin always took a
keen interest in all scientific investigations, and he frequently
'^ Das Zciialter Friedrich des Grossen. Dr. Wilhelm. Oncken, Bd. II,
S. 730.
'* Sammlung neiier und merkwilrdigcr Rciscn zti IVasscr und zu Landc.
X. Theil. Beschreibung der Reise, die er ( Herr Peter Kalm) nach nordli-
chem Amerika auf den Befehl gedachter y\kademie und offentliche Kosten
unternommen hat. Bd. I, II, III. Gottingen, 1754.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 65
mentions this explorer in his correspondence, but "Herr Frankhn
hat das Kahiiische Werk nicht eher, als in Hannover aus der
deutschen tJbersetzung kennen lernen". Kahii's discussion of
the growth in population in Pennsylvania, including the colonial
laws and conditions with methods of district voting compared
with statutes, laws and common law of England, and the birth
and growth of the University of Pennsylvania — all these details,
as he says, he owed to the generosity of Franklin.
In the Vorrcde des Ubersetsers in the book entitled, Des
He?'rn Benjamin Franklins, Esq., Briefe von der ElekiriciKit.
Aus dem Englischen iibersctzt, nebst Anmerkungen von J. C.
Wilcke, Leipzig, 1758, we read:
"Herr Franklin, ein geschickter Buchhandler zu Philadel-
phia, in Nordamerika, ward durch die zur Elektricitat gehorigen
Werkzeuge und die derselben beige fiigte Anweisung solche zu ge-
brauchen, w^elche ihm aus London iibersandt worden, aufgemun-
tert und in den Stand gesetzt, diese Versuche in diesem entfern-
ten Welttheile bekannt zu machen, und sich auf eine vorziigliche
Weise damit zu beschaftigen. Wie gross der Fortgang sei, wel-
chen der arbeitsamme Fleiss dieses geschickten Mannes in dieser
Sache gemachet habe, kann man aus gegenwartigen Briefen er-
sehen, welche dieselben Gedanken und Erklarungen enthalten.
Diese zeigen deutlich die grossen Vorteile welche denen Wissen-
schaften dadurch gewachsen konnen wenn Leuten von Lust,
Trieb und Fahigkeiten Gelegenheit gegeben wird, ihren Fleiss in
Schwung und Ausiibung zu setzen. Man erhalt hier aus den
Handen des Amerikaners eine Schrift, welche auch in dem Vater-
lande der Elektricitat lehrreich bleibt.
"Herr Franklin hat seine Erfindungen und Arbeiten seinen
Freunden in London, besonders dem Herrn Collinson, in verschie-
denen Briefen und kleinen Abhandlungen mitgctheilt. Dieselben
sind in dreyen kleinen Theilen zusammengedruckt und unter dem
Titel:
"New experiments and observations on Electricity, made at
Philadelphia in America, by Mr. Benjamin Franklin, and com-
municated in several letters to Mr. Collinson at London. F. R. S.
66 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
London. Printed in fold by E. Cave, and at St. John's Gate,
1 75 1, in 4to. bekannt bemachet.
"Die Seltenheit dieser Schrift in unseren Gegenden, die
Wichtigkeit derselben, und der grosse Vortheil welchen ich sel-
ber daraus gezogen babe, haben mich veranlasset, dieselbe in einer
deutschen Ubersetzung bekannter zu machen. Ich kann mein Ur-
theil zwar fiir keine Entscheidung und Bestimmung des Werthes
eines Buches ansehen; so viel muss ich aber gestehen, dass ich
diese Schrift werth halte, allgemeiner bekannt, und denen Vor-
urtheilen entrissen zu werden, welche man haufig gegen dieselbige
findet. . . . Ich zog aus dem System des Herrn FrankHns eine
Menge von SchKissen und Folgerungen heraus. Auf diese bauete
ich den Entwurf von neuen Versuchen, welche diese Satze durch
ihren Erfolg entweder bestatigen, oder umstossen mussten. So
viel ich von diesen Versuchen ins Werk setzete, so viel neue
Griinde und Beweise fand ich fiir die Richtigkeit des Systems
und der Erklarung des Herrn Franklins. Die einigen Versuche
desselben, habe ich sehr ofte und allezeit mit dem gliicklichsten
Erfolge wiederholt, und kann daher mit Zuversicht behaupten,
dass sie wahr und ohne Fehler sind ; und dass man den von Herrn
Franklin vorgegebenen Erfolg niemals verfehlen werde, wenn
man sich nur die Miihe gegeben hat, von dem Zusammenhange
des ganzen Systems und denen besondern Fallen desselben, wel-
che hin und wieder einen Einfluss haben konnen, sich einen all-
gemeinen und deutlichen Begriff zu machen.
"Weil ich hievon gewiss bin, hat es mich um destomehr be-
freundet, dass ein beriihmter und mit den elektrischen Versuchen
sehr bekannter Naturforscher in Frankreich, der Herr Abt Nol-
let, dieser Schrift des Herrn Franklin eine so scharfe Critik ent-
gegengesetzet hat, als man in diesen Briefen von der Elektricitat
findet. . . . Die Lehre des Herrn Franklins ist in Frankreich so
wohl aufgenommen worden, dass sie der, nach des Herrn Nol-
let's Meinung, von der franzosischen Academic der Wissenschaf-
ten fiir Souverain erklarten Hypothese desselben, welche er in
den Memoires vom Jahre 1/45 Conjectures sur les causes de
I'Electricite des corps, und in seinem Essai sur I'Electricite des
corps, vorgetragen hat. . . . Ich bin versichert, Herr Frank-
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 67
lin werde nichts verlieren, . . . Die Versuche des Herrii
Franklin sind richtig; sie haben aber nicht die Kraft, welche
Herr Nollet ihnen zutrauet; weil sie als so viele Beweise fiir die
Theorie Herrn Franklins konnen angesehen werden, als fiir Wie-
derlegungen derselben. . . . Es kommt gewiss Vieles in seinen
Briefen vor, wogegen ein jeder Physicus eben die billigen Zweifel
vorbringen wiirde, welche der Herr Abt Nollet denselben entge-
gen setzet. . . .
"Die Ausbreitimg der Theorie von der Electricitat ist ein
vorziigliches Stiick derselben. Ich sage die Ausbreitung dieser
Theorie. Das System selber und die Griindsatze davon, welche
ich in aller Kiirze entwerfen will, sind keine Erfindungen des
Herrn Franklins. . . ." He continues with a discussion of the
various methods of electricity and numerous experiments from
noted scientists, such as Watson, Ellicot, Waiz and others.
"Die Verdienste des Herrn Franklins um diese Theorie sind
dennoch gross. Er hat dieselbe nicht nur in ein helleres Licht ge-
setzet; sondern hat sie audi auf die Ladungs- oder Erschiitte-
rungsversuche, die unter den Namen der Leidnischen und Mu-
schenbroeckischen allgemein bekannt sind, und von welchen man
bisher keine natiirliche und sinnreiche Art angewandt. Hat er
hierbey ein wenig zu viel gekiinstelt, so bleibt dennoch hier alle
Zeit mehr Natur, als in anderen unglaublichen Erklarungen. . . .
"Man kann aber mit recht behaupten, dass keiner auf diese
merkwiirdige Erscheinung ein so aufmerksames Auge gewandt
hat, als unser Herr Franklin, und dass keiner eine der Natur so
gemasse Erklarung derselben gegeben habe als eben er. . . .
"Es ist allgemein bekannt, dass wir Herrn Franklin die
Kenntniss der Gewitterselektrizitat zu danken haben. Man hat
zwar vor ihm, allerley Gedanken von der Ahnlichkeit der BHtze
mit der Elektricitat vorgetragen ; dieses sind aber bis dahin lauter
Muthmassungen gewesen. Und obgleich Herr Franklin nicht
der Erste geworden ist welcher diese Versuche ins Werk gerich-
tet hat ; so hat er dieselben dennoch schon so deutlich entworfen
und vorgeschlagen, dass ihm der Ruhm dieser Erfindung gar
nicht streitig gemachet werden kann. . . ." Thus we see from
this early translation of Franklin's ideas a just appreciation of
68 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
the valuable discoveries which Franklin had made. His fame
took firm root in German soil and added more splendor to his
growing European glory.
In the Ilannoz'erisclies Magadn, ly Stiick, Friday, February
27, 1767, appeared this article, Einige Anmerkungen ilber Nord-
amcrika und i'lher dasige Grossbritannische Colonien. Aus miind-
lichen Nachrichten des Herrn Dr. Franklins, von Herrn Hofrath
Achenwall : "So weit gehen die Nachrichten des Herrn Dr.
Franklin, die ich grossentheils als Antworten auf meine Anfra-
gen erhalten habe, ob ich gleich nicht alle Worte und Ausdri'icke
auf seine Rechnung schreiben kann. Hie und da ist etwas zur
Erlauterung von mir eingeschoben worden, und daher gehort
was in Klamern eingeschlossen ist."^'^ He continues with an
appreciation of Professor Kalm's knowledge of America, since
he had been granted the opportunity of discussing the matter for
several months with Dr. Franklin, while his own questions were
limited by the brevity of his interview with this celebrated man.
These Anmerkungen by Dr. Gottfried Achenwall went through
three editions. The second edition, published in Frankfurt
(Stuttgart), 1769, was the same in content as the first edition of
Gottingen, 1767. The third edition published in Helmstedt.
1777, is composed of 94 pages, containing in addition to Achen-
wall's Anmerkungen, the Schrift von den Streitigkeiten mil den
Colonien in Amerika, written by John Wesley. The matter
stands undisputed, that this work was read with interest by the
German public. Many discrepancies on American affairs crept
into these pages, especially the treatment of the North American
Indians, where the author, no doubt, allowed his imagination full
swing, since it seems hardly credible, that Franklin would have
misinformed him on a subject with which he himself was so per-
fectly familiar. Mr. Gallinger, on page 8 of his dissertation, says
this work was "die einzige Darstellung des Verfassungskampfes
in deutscher Sprache, die vor dem Jahre 1776 erchien." Further
mention of this same report on American colonial affairs, as
treated by Achenwall, we find in Sammlung neuer Reisebeschrei-
' Achenwall, Anmerkungen (1767)1 P- 5o6.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 69
hungen aus fremden Sprachen, by Johann Tobias Kohler, Got-
tingen und Gotha, 1769, who refers to its appearance in the Han-
noverisches Magazin.^'^
We find Franklin's name mentioned next thus : "Paine's
Common Sense — ein Werk das man damals gewohnHch Samuel
Adams oder Franklin und Adams zuschrieb, in Schubarts Deut-
sche Chronik, Ulm, lyy^-iyyy.
August Ludwig Schlozer in his Erstes Heft des neuen Brief-
ivechsel, Gottingen, 1776, discussing the Aiifruhr in Amerika,
page 49, writes :
"Herr Franklin, dieser warme, aufgeklarte und ehrliche
Verteidiger der Nord-Amerikaner, wurde bekanntlich im Feb-
ruar, 1766, im Parlament, als iiber die Widerrufung der Stem-
pelakte gehandelt wurde, iiber verschiedene Dinge gerichtlich be-
fragt. Das ganze Verhor ist bereits deutsch gedruckt, aber in
einem Buche, wo es niemand such : In Olaf Toren's Reise nach
Siirate. Leipzig, 1772^. S. 209-238. Ich zeichne hier einige
Antworten aus, die verschiedenen Stellen dieses Briefes viel Licht
geben." He quotes exactly Franklin's definition of the Tea Tax
thus :
"Fine ausserliche Taxe ist eine Angabe, die man auf die
Waren gelegt hat, welche man zu uns bringt ; man schlagt sie auf
den Wert der Sache und zu anderen Kosten die sie begleiten;
sie und auch ein Theil des Preises. Gefallt die Ware dem Kau-
fer nicht um den Preis, so nimmt er sie nicht, und er braucht
Auflage nicht zu bezahlen." We must remember that Schlozer
knew Franklin personally, having met him at Miihlhausen's
table in Gottingen.
In the Wdchentliche Nachrichten, Berlin, 1776, for the i6th
of December, Jacob Mauvillon asserts that the politician Pinto
received from Lord North fifty guineas to disparage the colonies.
Schlozer speaking of Franklin's examination before Parliament
says : "Herr Franklin, dieser warme, aufgeklarte und ehrliche
Verteidiger der Nord-Amerikaner, wurde bekanntlich im Feb-
** Sammlung neuer Reisebeschreibung aus fremden Sprachen. Kohler,
p. 329. {Franklin's Nachricten von Nordamerika.)
yo . Benjamin Franklin and Germany
ruar, '1766, im Parlament, als iiber Widerrufung der Stempel-
Acte gehandelt wurde, iiber verschiedene Dinge gerichtlich be-
fragt. Das ganze Verhor ist bereits deutsch gedruckt, aber in
einem Buche wo es niemand sticht : In Olof Torcn's Rcise nach
Surat, 1772. S. 209-238. Ich zeichne hier einige Antworten
aus, die verschiedenen Stellen dieses Briefes ungemein viel Licht
geben ; und zugleich beweisen wie sehr das jetzige Betragen der
Kolonien bei Gelegenheit der Thee-Acte, ihren eigenen im Jahre
1 766 durch ihren Anwalt vor dem Parlament geausserten Grund-
satzen wiederspreche." He here gives the general details of
Franklin's interview before Parliament citing questions and
answers.
In Der Deutsche Merkur (April, 1777) F ortsetzung der neu-
csten politischen Gerichte, page 74, we read : "Nie kann ein Mann
ratselhafter und unerwarteter aus der Neuen in die Alte Welt
iiberkommen, als im letzten December der beriihmte Franklin.
Ein amerikanisches Schiff brachte ihn nach Frankreich, er wohnte
bei Deane, und doch wollte man wissen, dass er auf die konig-
liche Parthei getreten sei. Andere meinen, er sei nur gekommen
um mit den Encyclopadisten zu philosophiren, andere lassen ihn
mit den Franzosischen Ministerien negotiren. Der Konig von
Preussen soil ihn zu sich berufen haben, doch hort man noch
nicht, dass der Weise von Philadelphia auf dem Wege zu dem
Wei sen von Sans Soucie sei." So we see that Wieland knew the
conditions of American politics on foreign shores, and felt keen
interest in the actions of such a celebrated colonist and American
patriot as Dr. Franklin.
There is in The Polyanthos of Boston, for January, 1807,
page 99, an anecdote which describes the supposed meeting of
Frederick the Great at Sans Souci and Franklin which runs as
follows: "Frederick the Great was fully sensible of the con-
tagious nature of liberty. He knew the spirit of freedom was
epidemical; and he did not choose to employ his subjects in any
mode that could put them in the way of catching the disorder.
When Dr. Franklin applied to him to lend his assistance to
America, 'Pray, Dr. (says the veteran), what is the object they
mean to attain?' 'Liberty, Sire (replied the philosopher), lib-
Benjamin Franklin and Germany yi
crty — that freedom which is the birthright of man!' The king,
after a short pause, made this memorable answer: 'I was born a
prince ; I am become a king : and I will not use the power I pos-
sess to the ruin of my trade — I was born to command — and the
people born to obey'."
In the Deutschcs Museum, Bd. II, July to December, 1782,
we find on page 473 : "Ein Brief Rechtschreibung betreffend aus
des beriihmten Benjamin Franklins Political, Miscellaneous and
Philosophical Pieces (p. 473) iibersetzt." This reference is made
with the following note on Franklin's ideas of corrected orthog-
raphy, which was particularly interesting to the Germans of this
time : "Herr Franklin war namlich auf den Gedanken verfallen
(den man fiir nati'irlich halten sollte), dass, da die Buchstaben-
Schrift eigentlich dazu bestimmt ist die Tonsprache dem Gesicht
dazustellen, so miisse jeder besondere Schal sein eignes Zeichen
haben." The author continues with the most minute details and
examples taken from Franklin's own writings.
Ludwig Meyer von Kronau expressed his personal interest
in the North American heroes and afifairs thus :
"Das wichtigste historische Ereigniss wahrend nieiner Kind-
heit war die Losreissung der nordamerikanischen Kolonien (der
Vereinigten Staaten) von dem Mutterlande Grossbritannien fiir
welche der Kaiser Joseph und der Kanton Schweiz meine Umge-
bungen so viele Zeit iibrig liessen, um ihre Aufmerksamkeit auf
sie wenden zu lassen. Noch erinnere ich mich deutlich, dass die
nordamerikanische Sache, Franklin, Washington und andere
Manner . . . Teilnahme fiir sich erregten' . . . das In-
teresse welches Franklin, ebenso Lafayette und seine Mitstreiter
erregten. "^^
J. E. Blester in an article entitled Etzvas iiber Benjamin
Franklin, appearing in the Berlinische Monatsschrift,^^ II. Band,
Berlin, 1783, gives us as an introduction, the enthusiastic letter
of his friend George Forster. This letter, dated April 24, 1783,
contained a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, and reads thus:
*' Lebenserinnerungen von Ludwig Meyer von Kronau, 1769-1841, Ceroid
Meyer von Kronan, S. 10 (1783).
•* S. 11-38.
y2 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
S. iiff.):
"(Franklin's Bikinis, das imsere Leser, in einem sorgfalti-
gen und treuen Nachstiche diesem Stiicke vorgesetzt finden), soil
Ihnen, mein lieber Biester, fiir meine Bereitwilligkeit biirgen. Icli
habe den ehrlichen, den grossen Franklin zu lieb dass ich ihn
nicht in meiner Stube vor Augen zu haben wiinschen sollte. Da-
her Hess ich mir einen Abdruck des schonen Kupfers, welches
vor seinen 'Political, Miscellaneous and Philosophical Pieces'
steht, durch einen guten Freund (Herrn Vaughan, den Heraus-
geber dieser Pieces) kommen und in Rahmen fassen. Hier ha-
ben Sie es, lassen Sie es kopieren, denn es ist sehr getreu, ohne
alien Vergleich besser, als alle franzisirte Bildnisse des beriihm-
ten Mannes (man muss sich erinnern dass Herr Forster Frank-
linen personlich kennt) und das ist der Miihe wert, das Bild eines
solchen Menschen in einem solchen Zeitpunkt unter solchen Zeit-
genossen zu vervielfaltigen! Wegen Nachrichten von Franklins
Leben weiss ich Ihnen nichts zu liefern." He already makes
note that the date of Franklin's birth, January 17, 1706. at Bos-
ton, is marked upon the copper plate. . . . "Seine Lebensge-
schichte recht nur von Meisterhand bearbeitet, wird in Ihrer Mo-
natsschrift eine kostliche Perle sein. . . . Denn der selbst-
denkende, erfinderische Kopf, helle Verstand, der richtige tiefe
philosophische Blick in Natur und Wissenschaft in das All unse-
rer Verhaltnisse und in das Gewebe von Guten und Bosen, wo-
raus wie aus Aufzug und Einschlag das grosse Lebensgespenst
besteht — der ist gewiss ein Phanomen in unseren Zeiten; auch
ohne die Rolle die er mit so ganz unbegreiflichem Erfolge ge-
spielt, und worin die Vorsehung ihr Recht, die Schicksale der
Volker zu wagen und das 'Mene Mene, Tekel' dariiber zu spre-
chen so sicherlich behauptet hat."
Biester felt confident that his readers would partake of the
noble enthusiasm for Franklin, which his friend so deeply felt
and regrets that his knowledge of the life of this American was
so limited. The early strivings and endeavors of the poor
printer, who attained at the age of jy such a lofty position, as
the representative of his native land at foreign courts afforded to
the mind of the author an example that was worthy of emulation
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 73
by his fellow-countrymen. He gives a list of Franklin's honors
and official positions. "Franklin's ganzer Titel, woraus man
seine Kenntnisse, Amter und Beschaftigungen einigermassen er-
sehen kann ist folgender: Der Rechte Doktor, Mitglied der
koniglichen Gesellschaften der Wissenschaften zu London, zu
Paris, zu Gottingen und der batavischen Gesellschaft in Holland,
u. s. w." He emphasizes the strong-minded and friendly soul,
which the portrait seems to convey to the spectator. Then turn-
ing to his works, which give even a clearer impression of his
intellect, heart and character, he regrets that the German trans-
lation of Franklin's works is so imperfect. "Auch seit einiger
Zeit in einer deutschen tJbersetzung haben wir des Herrn D. B.
Franklins samtliche Werke. Aus dem Englischen und Franzo-
sischem iibersetzt. Von G. T. Wenzel, Dresden, 1780. In drei
starken Grossoktav-Banden. Aber herzlich wiinschte ich, dass
diese tjberstzung sich angenehmes fliessenderes Deutsch durch
leichte Wendungen, und die ganze simple Grazie des Originals
empfohle.
"Franklin's grosse Verdienste um die Naturlehre sind be-
kannt; sein Kompendium der Physik wird geschrieben, worin
seiner nicht gedacht wird. Der Leser kann hier die vornehmsten
von ihm behandelten Gegenstande iibersehen. In sehr vielen der-
selben hat er Entdeckungen gemacht, wodurch die Wissenschaft
ungemein fortgefiihrt und erweitert ist; in alien aber neue Ideen
geliefert, die von der grossten Fruchtbarkeit sind." . . . Turn-
ing to electricity he says: "Aber die Elektrizitat, diese merkwiir-
dige, und vielleicht noch immer nicht genug beobachtete, wenig-
stens nicht genug angewandte Kraft der Natur, hat vorzuglich
ihn beschaftigt und vorzuglich grosse Entdeckungen von ihm
aufzuweisen. Wer kennt nicht, wenigstens litterarisch, seine The-
orie, die auch fast allgemein angenommen wird, und nun noch
sehr wenige Gegner an Nollets Anhangern findet? Ein Vorzug
den sie durch das sehr Leichte, Einfache und Natiirliche ihrer
Grundsatze verdient, und bei den grossten Elektrikern Europas
erhalten hat." ... He goes on to describe the electrical festi-
val that was given under Dr. Franklin's direction on the banks
of the Schuylkill, which the Doctor himself described in his letter
74 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
to Peter Collinson. "Doch was schon allein ihn unsterblich ma-
chen miisste, ist ,die vorziiglich so praktische Anwendung der
Lehre der Elektrizitat auf die Theorie der Gewitter." Biester
firmly asserts that Franklin was not the first who treated the
subject of lightning, and that the electrical spark and storm ma-
terial were one and the same thing. "[Franklin kam zuerst auf
diesen Gedanken, der aber schon von Winkler in Leipzig in einem
Werke, das ein Jahr friiher gedruckt ward, vorgetragen ist nam-
lich: 'die Starke der elektrischen Kraft des Wassers in glaser-
nen Gefasser, welche durch den Miisschenbrockschen Versuch
bekannt geworden,' Leipzig, 1746; wo das ganze Hauptstiick um-
standlich davon handelt.] Aber das grosse Verdienst hat er,
dass er nun weiter schloss, man miisse den Blitz, wie die Elek-
trizitat, ableiten konnen ; und dass er die Werkzeuge erf and, wel-
che Schiffe, Hauser und die ganze Stadt sichern, welche die
Herrschaft des menschlichen Geistes iiber die machtigsten Ele-
mente und die furchtbarsten Symptome der Natur am deutlich-
sten zeigen, und uns in den Stand setzen, mit Blitzen fast so
sicher als mit gemalten Theater flammen zu spielen." He con-
tinues with a criticism of Franklin's hasty hypotheses, but grants
him natural ability: "Franklin sagt eins von sich selbst: er hatte
nicht Geduld genug um oft Versuche anzustellen, sein schneller
feuriger Geist reisse ihn gleich zu Hypothesen hin. Allerdings
ist es wohl wahr, dass seine anderweilige Thatigkeit und vielleicht
sein ganzer Charakter ihn hindert, Experimente auf die Art an-
zustellen. . . . Aber er hat ein immer offenes Auge, einen
immer wachen Beobachtungsgeist fiir alle Gegenstande der Natur
und Kunst, die ihn umringen ; davon zeugen alle seine Brief e und
all Erzahlungen seiner Theorien oder Hypothesen, die durch Be-
merkungen auf seinen Reisen oder sonst bei ihm zur Reif e kamen ;
und diese Gabe der Natur ist vielleicht so stark bei ihm weil kein
eingesperrtes Gelehrtenleben sie friihe geschwacht hat. tJber die
so bemerkten natiirlichen Phanomene, oder auch liber Experi-
mente, die seine Freunde ihm mitteilen, sinnt der aufmerksame
Naturmann nach, halt sie mit vorigen Bemerkungen zusammen,
und er schafft dann durch seinen scharfsinningen feinen Spiiren-
geist so gliickliche Hypothesen, dass er uns die grosste Bewunde-
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 75
rung abzwingt. . . ." In regard to his style one of the best
criticisms we have in the German language is this: "Sein Vor-
trag ist, auch wohl eben darum, ungemein deutlich und vorzijg-
lich simpel; nie ein Anschein von Gelehrsamkeit, nirgends die
Miene eines Kompendiums. Alles sind einzelne Bemerkungen
mit ihrer ganzen Veranlassung uns angenehm erzahlt, kurze
Satze, kleine Abhandlungen, leichte Briefe an Freunde, an Frau-
enzimmer, u. s. w. Man nimmt Theil daran, man ermiidet nie,
man findet so viel Abwechselung in der Darstellungsart als in
den Gegenstanden selbst. Dieser feine Geist des Weltmanns, die-
ser gesunde Natursinn des unpedantischen Weisen lebt und webt
iiberall in seinen Schriften; und Munterkeit und Feuer zeigt sich
auch in den spatesten Aufsatzen des liebenswiirdigen Greises."
The discussion of Franklin's Harmonica shows the keen ap-
preciation of this discovery. Franklin possessed musical knowl-
edge and theoretical plans for musical improvements. "Das feine
Gefiihl des iiberall wirksamen Mannes und das Universelle seines
Originalgenies dehnte sich auch auf schone Kiinste aus. In den
mehrsten angesehenen Stadten Deutschlands hat man wohl die
Harmonika gehort, ein Instrument das an Zartheit und Siissig-
keit so sehr zum Herzen spricht, wie sonst nie ohne Gesang ein
Toninstrument that; und das jede Abstufung der Starke des
Tons auf das Vollkommenste ausdriickt, und vorziiglich das
sanfteste Piano was die Kunst kennt, angiebt. Dies entziickende
Instrument ist von Franklins Erfindung. Die Beschreibung, die
er selbst in seines Brief an P. Bekkaria in Turin davongiebt. . . .
Auch finden sich einige theoretische Betrachtungen iiber die Mu-
sik, vortreffliche Anmerkungen iiber den Gesang und das schick-
liche Versmass eines Volksliedes, iiber die unruhige Deklamation
unserer bewunderesten Arien."
Franklin's activity in the political field is his next subject of
discussion : "Ich komme zu den wichtigern Beschaftigungen des
grossen Mannes, denn so glaube ich ist allerdings die Politik und
Staatsokonomie zu nennen. Zwar hat mich der Brief des guten
frommen Bekkaria an Franklin innig geriihrt, wo er seinen
Freund beschwort, doch ja nicht die Physik fiir die Politik fahren
76 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
zti lasscn, doch ja die ewigen Gesetze der Natur und des Schop-
fers zu studiren als die veranderlichen Einrichtungen schwacher
Menschen. . . . Aber sein Freund sah, dass die Leidenschaften
und Wiinsche der Menschen nach ebenso ewigen Gesetzen geord-
net sind, als Aufgang und Niedergang der Gestirne. Auch hier,
wie bei der Physik, kann man Franklin's Verdienst um die Theo-
rie und uni die Anwendung unterscheiden. Im Allgemeinen hat er
die wichtigen Punkte in ein helles Licht gesetzt, als die Grund-
satze von der Bevolkerung, von der wahrscheinlichen Vermehrung
der Menschen, vom Handel, von Industrie, hauslichen Fleissc,
vom Getreidepreise, von der Behandlung der Armen, von Religi-
onsduldung, ein um so wichtigerer Punkt, da die Intoleranz eini-
ger Gegenden von Nordamerika (der Bostonianismus) wenig-
stens ehedem bekannt genug war. Die Hauptgrundsatze der
franzosischen Okonomisten, die von den deutschen Physiokraten
angenommen worden, hat er zusammen gedrangt und vielleicht
deutlicher vorgetragen, als von einem Schriftsteller dieser Partei
selbst mag geschehen sein."
On page 35 we read : "Von Franklin ist der mit Recht so
bewunderte Aufsatz, Der arme Jacob, der frei iibersetzt im zwei-
ten Theile von Engels Der Philosoph fiir die Welt steht. Von
Franklin ist vortreffliche Parabel im Stil des alten Testaments,
von dem Fremden der Abraham besuchte und nicht auf gleiche
Weise zu Gott betete, die im dritten Theile von Nicholais Noth-
anker steht. Von ihm ist auch eine scharfe Ironie von der Art,
wie sie von mehreren Schriftstellern in England ofter ist ge-
braucht worden. "^^
Johann Jakob Moser in his book entitled Nord-Amerika
nach den Friedensschliissen vom Jahre 178^, Band I, Seite 752,
writes: "Das Ministerium verfuhr zu hart gegen die Kolonien,
und die Letzteren, trieben ihre Beschwerden zu hoch . . . und
hatten noch keine genugsame Ursachen, sich der Oberherrschaft
von Grossbrittanien zu entziehen ; ihre Haupter aber sahen mehr
auf ihren eintraglichen Schleichhandel als auf Recht und Billig-
keit und werden nebst dem sonst viele Verdienste habenden D.
' Berlinische Monatsschrift, II. Bd., S. 11-38.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany jj
Franklin, bei der jetzigen und zukiinftigen ehrbaren Welt alle-
mal als meineidige Untertanen passieren."
Again, we read S. 837 : "Nur ein Mann hat iiber die Ge-
schichte seines Landes geschrieben, Franklin, aber sein Beispiel
hat keinen Nachfolger gefunden. Der Amerikaner, der nur
Schatze sammeln, nur gemessen will, ist iiberzeugt, dass die
Wissenschaften nicht der VVeg sind, der ihn zu seinem Zwecke
fiihren konnte. . . . Washington und Franklin wollen uns die
alten Klassiker bekannt machen."
The Gothaer Gelehrte Zeitschrift, 1783, S. 262, makes
mention of this article from a report from New York, printed
the nth of November, 1782, where Moser says that Professor
Achenwall was informed of America's condition by Dr. Frank-
lin. (See Achenwall's Geschichte der englischen Kolonien. I.
Th. S. 19 ff.)
In the Berlinischc Monatschrift, Berlin, Oktober, 1783,
Band II, S. 307-308, we find an article entitled : Erinnerung
gegen eine Stelle in Franklin's Leben. Von Herrn Meissner :
"Fiir den Aufsatz des Herrn D. Biesters fiber Franklin wer-
den dem Verfasser gewiss viele Leser der Berlinischen Monats-
schrift verbunden gewesen sein. Nur darin irrt er sich zum Er-
finder der 'Geschichte von Abraham', die nachher dem Sebaldus
Nothanker eingeschaltet worden. Franklin ist hier ein Wieder-
erzahler dessen, was langst vor ihm der Perser Saadi erfunden
oder audi vielleicht nur auf geschrieben hat. Bekannt ist dessel-
ben Gelistan oder Rosenthal ; etwas minder sein Bustan oder
Blumengarten. Doch verdiente auch dieser; denn er ist der er-
habendsten Sentenzen, und der unterhaltendsten Geschichten voll.
Da er schon seit vielen Jahren von mir gelesen und wiedergele-
sen worden, so will ich Ihnen hier diese Geschichte abschreiben,
wie sie im zweiten Abschnitte des zweiten Buches von Bustan
steht." Here he includes the story entitled Schick Sadi, Persi-
sches Rosenthal nebst Locmans Fabeln. Wittenberg und Zerbst.
Bei Samuel Gottfried Zimmermann, 1775."
We find in the H istorisch-Genealogischer Calendar fiir
1784, by Spener of Berlin, a portrait of Franklin, with this
note beneath: "Dr. Franklin erhalt als Gesandter des Amerika-
nischen Frey Staats seine erste Audienze in Frankreich zu Ver-
78 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
sailles am 20ten Marz, 1788." It represents Franklin standing
before the throne of Louis XVI, with eight councillors present
in the background. No doubt Franklin had sent this portrait to
Charles Spener, in answer to his request lor material to be used
in his almanac, which appeared under the title Historisch-
Gcnealogischer Calender, odcr Jahrbuch der merkzvilrdigsten
Neuen Welt-Begebenheiten fUr 1784, Leipzig, bei Spener von
Berlin. On page 63 of this magazine we read this praise of
Franklin: "Dieser eifrige warme Vertheidiger seiner Lands-
leute, deni Amerika beynahe einzig seine Freiheit zu verdanken
hat." Page 172: "Mit welch ein mannlicher Entschlossenheit,
mit welch unermiideter Thatigkeit und mit welch seltner Weis-
heit" he performed all his political activities; and page 174:
"Amerika wird ihm als seinem Schutzgott und Wohlthater Al-
tare bauen, und auch den Namen des Mannes mit Achtung nen-
nen, dem mit jedem Blitzableiter ein Monument errichtet wird."
Johann Georg Zimmermann in Ubcr die Einsamkeit, Leip-
zig, 1784, Band II, S. 9, says: "Eine Zahl Spindelgeister erin-
nert man sich vielleicht die vor einigen Jahren sich liber alle
Bande des Universums hinwegsetzen . . . Sie hatten das
Aussere versucht. Aber sie waren weder Rousseau noch Frank-
lin und in der menschlichen Gesellschaft was ein Rad ohne
Zahne in einem Uhrwerk, welches nirgends ergreifen kann, und
um es anstosst den ganzen Mechanismus verwirrte." On page 2i?,
Zimmermann praises Franklin's style of writing and repeats
Biester's appreciation as already given.
"Ein vortrefflicher deutscher Schriftsteller hat in einem mei-
sterhaften Auf satze itber Franklin's Leben gesagt : Franklin's
Vortrag habe nie einen Anschein von Gelehrsamkeit, nirgends
die Miene eines Compendiums. . . ." Zimmermann later, how-
ever, in reply to a letter from G. Sulzer on February 22, 1777,
takes a different attitude toward this celebrated American, whom
he sees so busied in the political meshes of diplomacy. He says :
"Den alten Franklin soil man nie fiir einen guten Mann gehalten
haben."7o
Boddemann, J . G. Zimmermann, S. 261
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 79
M. C. Sprengel discusses the population of Pennsylvania with
reference to the article by Achenwall in the Gottinger Calendar
tjber den jetzigen N ordamerikanischen Krieg, page 103, but in the
more important of these discussions is his opinion expressed thus :
"Man liess sich mit einigen Colonien in Unterhandlung ein, und
damals war es wie Herr Franklin, dieserei frige warme Verthei-
diger seiner Landsleute, dem Amerika beinahe einzig seine Frei-
heit zu verdanken hat, und aus dessen Schriften der Congress
grossentheils seine Griinde zur Behauptung der nordamerikani-
schen Gerechtsame gegen England entlehnt hat." Here he gives
also details of Franklin's birth in Boston and describes the grow-
ing spirit of freedom: "Diese Begriffe von biirgerlicher Frei-
heit und Unabhangigkeit erhellen, durch Vergleichung und Prii-
fung in Franklin's philosophischem Kopfe, eine nahere richtige
Verstimmung, und mit welch einer mannlichen Entschlossenheit,
mit welch unermiideter Thatigkeit und mit seltener Weisheit er sie
nachdem zum Gliick seines Vaterlandes angewendet hat, davon
sind wir seine Zeitgenossen Zeugen gewesen, und vermoge des
offentlichen Charakters, den er sowohl am englischen als am fran-
zosischen Hofe bekleidet, von dem Gange und Erfolge seiner Be-
miihungen geniigsam unterrichtet."'^ (A portrait of Franklin as
envoy at the Court of Versailles is given.) He praises his politi-
cal qualifications and his discoveries and considers that he filled
in the cabinet the same important position that Washington occu-
pied as head of the continental forces.
Charles Spener, author of the Historisch-Genealogisclier
Calendar, 1784, writes to Franklin the following, showing us
that Sprengel through him received direct information of Amer-
ican conditions from Franklin, although no draft of the answer
which Franklin made to these inquiries can be found :
"Monsieur:
"Ayant desein de publier vers la fin de septembre, un almanac
americain en allemand pour I'Annee prochaine, & desirant le de-
corer de plusieurs estamps y relatives, dont la composition ne doit
point etre ideale; c'est a vous Monsieur et a Votre portefeuille,
''^ Geschichte der Revolution von Nord- Amerika, S. 162; von M. C.
Sprengel, 1785.
8o B enjoin in Franklin and Germany
qui doit etre tres riche en tout ce qui a rapport a Thistorie des
Colonies anglo-americaines que j'ose recourir, bien que je n'aye
pQint riionneur a Vous etre connu.
"Permettez Monsieur, que je Vous expose brievement le plan
de cet Almanac et qu'ensuite je demande notre gracieuse assist-
ance, soit pour des renseignements, soit pour les articles memes
dont j'ai besoin et que certainement personne n'est mieux en etat
de me f ournir que Vous Monsieur !
"L' Almanac contiendra en premier lieu I'historie de la Revo-
lution d'apres les meilleurs Auteurs et les avis les plus veridiques
que Ton ai pii je procurer, ce Sujet fera orner de graveures his-
toriques, representant les evenemens les plus remarquables de
cette guerre. En second lieu: Galerie des grands hommes de
I'amerique avec un precis de leur carriere politique ou militaire
decoree de leurs portraits copies sur ceux desines par Du Simitier
a Philadelphie et sur d'autres qui ont paru en Angleterre. Come
Vous tenez Monsieur en si haut sway parmi les grands hommes
d I'Amerique — je vous demande, si votre Portrait, tel qu'il a
ete grave en 1781 par Pelicier pour I'essay sur les Anglo Ameri-
cains est assez resemblant pour pouvoir me servir de modele ?
"La partie historique de cet Almanac etant confiee a un de
nos meilleurs historiens le Sr. Sprengel, Professeur d'PIistorie a
I'universite de Halle, c[ui possede fond I'anglais et toutes les con
naissances & qualites qui constituent le bon historien, j'ose me
flatter, que son Ouvrage meritera votre approbation. . . .
"Enfin permettez moi d'ajouter que le temps d'ici a la fin de
septembre terme fini pour la publication des Almanacs de votre
pays, n'etait gueres eloigne & I'execution des differentes gravures
exigeant un temps considerable, en me fournissant bientot pos-
sible les matereaux que me manquent vous ajouterez infiniment
au prix du bienfait cjue je sollicite." He continues here with a
plea for American portraits of such men as John Adams, Sr.
Payne, Dr. Warren, who was killed at Bunker Hill, General
Montgomery, and Sr. Paul Jones, Commodore in the service of
the thirteen United States. He also asks for various coins of
American money, for paper money, for the coat of arms of the
colonies and for a minute description of the uniforms worn by
Bcfijamin Franklin and Germany 8i
American troops and details of the lives of Washington and
Gates with any other mementoes, that might be interesting and
instructive to be embodied in his almanac. The above letter is
signed by Charles Spener, librarian of the King, and written from
Berlin the 26th of May, 1783/-
"C. A. Meyer writes to Kronau from Rothenburg, February
8, 1874, the following in praise of Franklin's construction of the
Harmonica: "Auf Deroselben Schreiben vom 19 Jan. Melde Eu.
in schuldiger Antwort, dass meine Harmonica von der Franklin-
schen weiter nichts an sich hat, als die aussere Figur und Befesti-
gung der Glocken. . . . Die Bewegung des Franklinschen ist
am Schwingrade mit einer Schleife angebracht; man kann nicht
damit zwar die Glocken bewegen, allein beim Aufsteigen dersel-
ben kann man nicht helfen, und beim Crescendo und Forte muss
die Maschine leicht gehemmt werden und still stehen ; da man bei
der Art, wie ich eingerichtet habe, durch am Fusstritt angebrach-
ten Riemen, sowohl beim Auf- als Absteigen der Glocken, zu
jederzeit der Bewegung neue Kraft geben kann."'^
In Georg Forster's Erinncrimgcn aiis dem Jahre i/po, Band
VI, III. Teil; Kleine Schriften, S. 204-208, is a treatment of
Benjamin Franklin: "Eripuit Caelo Fulmen, mox sceptra tyran-
nis." "Wer sich unter dem Manne der dem Himmel seine Blitze
und den Tyrannen ihre Scepter entwendete: einen Titanischen,
einen hundertarmigen Riesen, oder einen von Menschenblut trie-
fenden Eroberer vorgestellt hatte, der wiirde kaum glauben und
begreifen konnen, dass die Ziige des hier beigefiigten Bildnisses
jenem Wunderthate darstellen. So ratselhaft es aber klingen
mag, so giebt es doch wirklich ein Mittel, womit man den Donner
und seine irdischen Stellvertreter entwaffnen kann, ohne sich an
die Spitze einer halben Million disciplinirter folgsamer Myrmi-
donen zu stellen und einen unerschopfiichen Schatz zu besitzen:
"A. P. S.
''^Journal von und fi'tr Dcutschland 17S4. Herausgegeben von Frh. von
Bibra und Goekingk. Julius (17S4), S. 3.
Mention of Franklin in a Hamburg publication 1788: Uhcr das Rauchen
der Kaminc und der Schornstcinc in cincm Schreiben des Ilerrn Dr. Benja-
min Franklin an Hcrrn Dr. Ingcnhouss in IVicn. Aus dem Englischen iiber-
setzt mit Anmerkungen vqu P. H. C. B.
82 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
ja, was noch mehr ist, wenn man einen Menschen findet, der so
aussieht wie dieser Benjamin Franklin, so darf man sich ziemlich
sicher daraiif verlassen, dass jenes JXlittel bescheiden sei. Wir
wollen uns zuvorderst die Zi.ige dieses merkwardigen Mannes von
einem Dichter deuten lassen.
"Sein offner Blick ist aller Wesen Freund ;
Der innere Friede ruht auf seinen Augenbrau'n,
Und wie ein Fels, zu dem sich Wolken nie erheben,
Scheint iiber'n Erdenstand die reine Stirn zu schweben,
Den Rost der Welt, der Leidenschaften Spur,
Hat langst der Fluss der Zeit von ihr hinweggewaschen.
Fiel eine Kron' ihm zu, und es bediirfte nur
Sie mit der Hand im Fallen aufzuhaschen,
Er streckte nicht die Hand. Verschlossen der Begier,
Von keiner Furcht, von keinem Schmerz betroffen,
Ist nur dem Wahren noch die heitere Seele oft'en,
Nur offen der Natur, und rein gestimmt zu ihr.
WiELAND.
"So lange das Menschengeschlecht der Macht des Beispiels
bedarf wird dieser Mann leben und wirken. Benjamin Franklin
steht noch unter der kleinen Anzahl von Menschen, in denen die
Wiirde der menschlichen Natur in vollem Glanz erschienen ist.
Darf der Name des Weisen einem Sterblichen beigelegt werden,
so gebiihrt er dem Manne, der in unserem Zeitalter sich selbst
einen so grossen Wirkungskreis schuf, ohne sich die geringste
Beeintrachtigung eines Anderen zu erlauben ; der sein ganzes Le-
ben der Belehrung seiner Landsleute widmete, ohne alle Anmas-
sung ; der alles entbehren gelernt hatte und dennoch mit unermii-
deter Thatigkeit arbeitete; der mit unbestechlicher Vernunft bis
an sein Ende, Freiheit, Gerechtigkeit, Frieden, Brudertreue,
Liebe und gegenseitige Duldung predigte; und in jeder dieser
Tugenden mit grossem Beispiele vorging.
"Amerika ist gliicklich, dass es so bald nach der Griindung
seiner gesitteten Staaten aus ihrem Schosse den Weisen hervor-
gehen sah, dessen innere Harmonie, ihm gleichsam die Natur un-
terwarf, ihn zur Entdeckung des Wahren in alien ihren Verhalt-
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 83
nissen fiihrte, und ihn zum Lehrer seiner Briider bestimmte. Die
Unabhangigkeit vom brittischen Parlamente batten die Ameri-
kaner ohne ihn errungen; die morabsche Freiheit, die heibge
Achtung fiir die Vernunft in jedem einzehien Menschen und die
innige Anerkennung der Pflicht, eines Jeden Uberzeugung und
Glauben zu ehren; dies alles, nebst manchen Anleitungen zur
praktischen Lebensweisheit und so manchen einfachen, hausHchen
Einrichtungen, die in jenen angehenden Niederlassungen zur
BequemHchkeit gereichen, verdanken sie ihm. Das Licht welches
er verbreitete, bbeb nicht in einem Welttheil verschlossen ; sein
Bbck in dem innern Zusammenhang der Natur kam auch un-
serere Schwachheit zu Hiilfe, und indem er bewies, dass die Ma-
terie der Gewitter mit der zarten Fliissigkeit die wir im Harz,
im Bernstein, im Glas kannten und bereits durch Metall zu leiten
wussten, ganz von einerlei Beschaffenheit sei, ehrte, er zugleich
das Mittel uns und unsere Gebaude vor dem ziindenden Bbtz-
strahl zu sichern. Was er aber fiir die Rechte verniinftiger We-
sen fiir die Freiheit des Menschengeschlechts gesprochen und mit
unwiderlegbaren Griinden fiir seine Mitbiirger, ins besondere
sonnenklar bewiesen hat, das steht auch diesseits des Ozeans fest,
als ein ewiger Damm gegen die Tyrannei der willkiirbchen Ge-
walt." He strongly praises Franklin's abhorrence of bloodshed
and love of peace. "Vernunft und nur durch Vernunft mogliche
Tugend, also wieder nur Vernunft und nichts als Vernunft ist
der Zauber womit Benjamin Franklin den Himmel und die Erde
bezwang, . . . der humanste Mensch und der gliicklichste von
alien, die im achtzehnten Jahrhundert zu Mitarbeitern am grosscn
Vollendungswerk menschlicher Gliickseligkeit auserkoren waren,
hiess Benjamin Franklin." The picture accompanying this article
represents Franklin's grandson kneeling before Voltaire, while
Franklin, with hands folded as in prayer, awaits the French
philosopher's benediction. "Gott, Freiheit, Friede. Mit diesen
Segenswortern weihte der Hinscheidende Greis Voltaire den
Jiingling William Temple Franklin zum Menschen Gott ! Frei-
heit! Friede! betete der alte Franklin; und Gott, Freiheit und
Friede waren in ihren Herzen."
84 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Nekrolog auf das Jahr 1790.
Friedrich Schlicjitcgroll. Gothe, 1791. Band I, S. 262-265.
Den i7ten April.
In a chapter entitled "Autobiography" Schlichtegroll gives
the following account, which he has taken from "Memoires de la
vie Privee de Benjamin PYanklin", Paris, 1791 : "In dieser Riick-
sicht hatte uns der unsterbliche Mann kein grosseres Geschick
hinterlassen konnen, als die Geschichte seiner Jugend von ihm
selbst geschrieben, deren Authenticitat, wenn gleich vor jetzt noch
ohne weiteren Beweis aus innern Griinden mehr als wahrschein-
lich ist." On page 266 of this same article we read: "Alles ist
da rathsellos und begreiflich und in unserer Erfahrung begriindet
und darum wird uns der Mensch, der da ist, wie unser einer, und
doch ausserordentliche Dinge bewirkte, nur um desto lieber. . . .
Jedes Gewitter, dem wir nun mit Ruhe als einem priichtigen nicht
mehr als einem furchtbaren Schauspiele zusehen, jeder Ton der
siissesten aller kiinstlichen Harmonien, jedes Schiff aus dem
freien Amerika soil uns an ihn erinnern, und es bedarf nur der
einfachsten Darstellung dessen, was er war und gethan hat, um
diese of tern Erinnerungen mit ebenso oft widerholten Gefiihlen
der Bewunderung und Verehrung zu begleiten."
In the Deutsches Magadn, C. N. D. von Eggers, Band VI,
Dezember, 1793, Seite 1443, the author prints a letter of
Dr. Franklin to the Abbe Soulaire in regard to the theory of
Mines, not yet appearing in his collective works. We also read
the following mention of two manuscripts of Dr. Franklin's
which appear in none of his works. These are as follows: "i.
Brief e an den Abt Soidairc in Anleihung einiger mir nugesand-
ten Bemerkungen, die er aus meiner Unterredung mit ihm iiber
die Theorie der Erde entlehnt hatte.
"Passy, den 22. September, 1782.
"Mein Herr:
"Ich sende Ihnen das Manuscript mit einigen Berichtigungen
zuriick. Ich fand keine Kohlenminen unter Kalkfelsen in Derby-
shire. Ich bemerke bios, dass an den niedrigsten Stellen dieses
felsigen Gebirgs die zu Tage lagen Austerschalen mit dem Ge-
stein vermengt waren. ..."
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 85
2. The second manuscript is entitled Hingeworfene Gedan-
ken liber ein allgemeines Fluidum. This letter containing the
above speculation on general electrical fluid, its constituents and
powers useful for discovery and experiment, was written from
Passy the 25th of June, 1784.
We read a reference to the following work of Franklin in
Historische Verglcichung der Sittcn und Verfassimgen der Ge-
set^e und Gewerbe des Handels und der Religion der IVissen-
schaften und Lehranstalten. Ill Bande, Hannover, 1794. "Meni-
oires de la vie privee de Benjamin Franklin ecrit par lui-meme,
servi d'un precis historique de sa vie Politique, et de plusieurs
pieces relatives a ce perc de la liherte, Paris, 1791."
Dr. B. Franklins erweitertes Lehrgebdiide der natiirlichen Elek-
trizitdt. D. E. G. Wien, 1790. — Vorerinnerung.
"Seitdem des verklarten verehrungswiirdigsten Vaters
Franklins, der als Kiinstler die edle Buchdruckerei audi in Ame-
rika fest griindete, als Naturforscher die wohlthatige Erfindung
fiir Menschen machte, erweiterte; als Staatsmann und obrigkeit-
liche Person den Grund mitlegte worauf nach und nacli die
amerikanischen freyen vereinigten Provinzen unerschiitterliche
Wurzeln gewinnen, griinden und bliihen werden."
(The seventh chapter of this book is entitled Bruchstilcke als
Materialien des Franklinschen LeJirgebdndes der natiirlichen at-
mosphdrischen Elektrimtdt damit zu erweitern u. zu befestigen. )
Franklins von ihm selbst verfertigte Grabschrift.
"Hier liegt der Korper Benjamin Franklins, eines Buch-
druckers, gleich dem Bande eines alten Buches, dessen Blatter
abgenutzt sind, seiner Verzierungen und Vergoldungen beraubt,
als Speise fiir die Wiirmer. Doch das Werk selbst wird nicht
verloren gehen, sondern in einer neuen von dem Verfasser ver-
besserten und vermehrten Ausgabe erscheinen."
This Grabschrift is a translation made from Franklin's own
inscription, as given to us in Flandbibliothek fiir Freunde, by Jo-
hann Kaspar Lavater, Band VI, Seite 41, 1793.
86 Benjamin Franklin ctnd Germany
In 1794 C. Milon published his Dcnkwitrdigkcifcn .cur Gc-
schichte Bcnjmnin Franklins, in which his appreciation is clearly
expressed thus :
"Allein ich habe iingeachtet der Schwierigkeit eines sol-
chen Unternehmens, der Begierde nicht widerstehen konnen,
einen Versuch iiber das Leben dieses beruhmten Mannes zii
schreiben, in welcheni man den scharfsichtigen Philosophen iind
den geschicksten Politiker erkennet. Da er das Innerste der
menschlichen Natur genau kannte, so wusste er die Tugenden
und die Laster, sowie die Thorheiten iind Schwachheiten seiner
Mitmenschen zu seineni eigenen Ansehen auf eine geschickte Art
zu gebraiichen."
Dr. David Ramsay this same year gave his German transla-
tion, GcschicJitc der amerikaniscJien Revolution aus den Aktcn
des Congresses (aus dem Englischen).
"In dieser Absicht (uni einen biirgerlichen Krieg abzuwen-
den ) hielten Dr. Fothergill, Herr David Barclay und Dr. Frank-
lin zu London verschiedene Conferenzen liber die amerikanischen
Angelegenheiten. Der letztere war ein Amerikaner von Geburt,
der alle gute Menschen liebte und von alien geliebt ward." (S.
315-)
"Franklin, Herr Adams und Herr Jefferson hatten den Auf-
trag Handlungsbiindnisse mit auswartigen Machten zu schliessen.
Es gelang ihnen bei dem Konig von Preussen und dem Kaiser
von Morocco." (S. 346.)
Benjamin Franklin. Klcine Schriften. Aus dem Englischen.
Appeared in Weimar, 1794, from the pen of G. Schatz. On page
2 he says:
"Unter den, grossen Mannern die unser Jahrhundert hervor-
gebracht hat, ist Franklin nach dem allgemeinen Urteil aller, die
hieriiber eine Stimme haben, einer der Ersten. . . . Sein
Ruhm und seine Grosse als Erfinder, als Staatsmann, als griind-
licher Kenner von mehr als einer Wissenschaft, als lehrreicher
und geistvoller Schriftsteller sind entschieden. Die klcine Schrif-
ten— Der grosste Theil derselben betrifft Gegenstande der Politik
und Philosophic des Lebens. Auch der kleinste und minder wich-
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 87
tigste tragt iinverkennbar das Geprage der Originalitat und ist
wenigstens von einem Funken des Geistes beseelt, der wohin er
auch nur einen fliichtigen Blick war, iiberall Licht und Warme
verbreitete."
Dr. Benjamin Franklin's Leben. Tubingen, 1795.
Seite 7 :
"Dr. Benjamin Franklin ist einer von den wenigen Men-
schen, die ganz allein durch eigene Anstrengung gross und be-
riihmt geworden ist, ohne dass Reichtum, oder vornehme Geburt
oder Verbindungen niit machtigen Menschen ihni zur Stiitze ge-
dient hatten."
b. Franklin in German Literature of the Nineteenth Century.
Johann Christian August Bauer, in his book entitled Frank-
lin unci Washington, Berlin, 1806, Volume VIII, page 53, writes
as follows :
"Im Jahre 1742 machten mehrere deutsche Gelehrte elek-
trische Versuche, vorziiglicli der Professor Bose, in Wittemberg,
Winkler in Leipzig, Gordon in Erfurt und Ludolf in Berlin, und
setzten durch ihre Entdeckungen ganz Europa in Erstaunen. . . .
Um das Jahr 1745 sendete Collinson der Bibliothek-Gesellschaft
von Philadelphia, eine genaue Beschreibung ihrer Entdeckungen,
nebst eine Elektrisirmaschine, und die Anweisung sich ihrer zu
bedienen. . . . Franklin und einige seiner Freunde machten
sogleich eine Reihe Experimente. Er war bald im Stande, wich-
tige Entdeckungen zu machen und gab den Grund verschiedener
Erscheinungen an. Seine Ideen wurden gleich mit allgemeinem
Beifall aufgenommen und haben seinen Namen verewigt."
The construction of Franklin's "Harmonika" is treated in
detail in this work :
Ernst Ludwig Gerber, Neues historisch-hiographisches Lexi-
kon der Tonkiinste, Band IV, 1812-1814.
Ludwig Christian Lichtenberg und Friedrich Kries pub-
lished Die vermischten Schriften, von Georg Christoph Lichten-
berg.
88 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
We find in Part V of this volume, page 316, a letter directed
to Lieutenant Rion, which runs thus: "Bei Lesung dieser Ge-
schichte ficlcn niir einige Gedanken des grossen Franklin wieder
ein, die er in eineni Schreiben an Herrn Le Roy zu Paris aus-
serte, und die von Comniandierenden sovvohl als Eigentiimern
von Schiffen nie genug beherzigt werden konnen. Ich lese nun
(schrieb der philosophische Greis im August 1785 und zwar auf
der See an Bord des Londonschen Packetboots ) fast siebzig ganze
Jahre Zeitungen und wenige Jahre gingen vorbei, dass ich nicht
Nachrichten gelesen hatte von Schiffen, die man ohne einem
Seile an Bord und mit Wasser im Raum herumschurend ange-
troffen hiitte, oder von anderen die in gleichem Zustand ans
Land geworfen waren."
On page 318 he writes: "Franklin ist iiberzeugt, dass man
dies Kriegschiff, wo wegen der Grosse der Conservation die
Zahl der leeren Wasserfasser sehr betrachtlich sein muss, in der
Schlacht noch vom Sinken hatte gerettet werden konnen, wenn
man es zur bestandigen Regel gemacht hatte, die ausgetrunkenen
Fasser jedes Mai fest zuzuschlagen und an solche Orte der Ver-
wahrung zu bringen, dass sie noch frei schwimmen konnen."
In an earlier edition of this work, Gottingen, 1801, page 148,
this reference is made: "Newton, Franklin, das waren Menschen
die beneidenswerth sind."
Heinrich Eisner in Befreiungskampf der nordamerikani-
schen Staaten, mit den Lebensbeschreibungen der vier beriihmten
Manner derselben, Washington, Lafayette, Franklin und Kos-
eiuzko, Stuttgart, 1835, PP- 658-691, discusses Franklin:
"Franklin, dessen Name zwar nicht unter den Helden
prangt, noch durch glanzende, in die Augen fallende Handlun-
gen beriihmt geworden ist, der aber durch seine stille Verdienste
um sein Vaterland eine Biirgerkrone, durch seine Erfindungen
eine der ersten Stellen unter den Wohlthatern der Menschheit er-
worben . . . mit seinem Leben darf man behaupten, ist eines
der herrlichsten Weltlichter erloschen. . . . Vielleicht lebte
nie ein Mann dessen Leben mit mehreren Rechten niitzlich ge-
nannt werden kann. Nie ging etwas durch seine Hande, das er
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 89
nicht vollkommen gemacht hatte. Sein gauzes Leben war eine
Predigt gegen Eitelkeit, tJberschwenglichkeit und Stolz. Es war
ihm Haiiptzweck den Menschen Liebe zum Fleiss, zur Massigkeit
und Sparsamkeit einzuflossen und alle Pflichten einzuscharfen,
welche die wichtigen Interessen der Alenschheit fordern."
Reference to Franklin's visit to Germany we find again on
page 129 of The Life of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, written by him-
self, to which are added essays by the same author, Mit eincm
W'drterbuch sum Schul- und Privatgebraiich, Carlsruhe, 1838:
"In the year 1766 he made a visit to Holland and Germany
and received greatest marks of attention from men of science."
Dr. Bergk in Franklins Goldnes Scliatckdstlein, Ouedlin-
burg und Leipzig, 1839, in his Vorrede writes: "Was Franklin
lehrt ist fast immer ausfiihrbar, was er sagt ist niitzlich und was
er getan hat ist beinahe jeder Zeit der Nachahmung werth."
G. B. Niebuhr in Geschichte des Zeitaltcrs der Revolution,
Bd. I, S. 93, Hamburg, 1845, discusses the American Revolution
(Vorlesungen zu Bonn, 1829), and gives clearly his estimate of
Franklin :
"Die vornehmsten jungen Manner waren mit Enthusiasmus
nach Amerika gegangen ; Leute die nur Sybarinismus und Regel-
losigkeit des Orients wiinschten, ergaben sich der Demokratie
und huldigten der neuen Quakerrepublik und Franklin in seinem
einfachen Quaker Kleide im Gegenstand der Bewegung der
glanzendsten Damen von Paris. (Franklin ist keineswegs mein
Held und es ist unbegreiflich wie man ihn in dem falschen Glanze
stehen lassen kann, den man um ihn gebildet hat.)"
In Leipzig, 1845, Julius Kell published his Lebensbeschrei-
biing Benjamin Franklins. Clearly he approves of Franklin's
life and activities : "Mochten doch recht Viele aus unserem Volke
von dem Manne lernen, der so viel gelernt, so viel erlernt, so viel
geredet, so viel gethan, der so viel gekampft hat. . . . Mochte
die Geschichte des in Franklins Leben tief ergreifenden Frei-
heitskampfes gegen den Druck Englands vor allem unseren, unter
wohlwollenden Regierungen stehenden Staaten Deutschlands, zei-
gen, wie viel sie an ihren guten Regierungen bereits habe." (S.
V-VL)
90 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Heinrich Bettzeich-Beta Benjamin Franklin, sein Leben,
Denken und IVirken, Leipzig, 1853, says page 2: "Franklin ist
eine Personlichkeit der anglosachsischen Wirtschaft unci Wissen-
schaft in England, Amerika und.x^iistralia. . . . Franklin ist
der wahre Goldmann. Er hat die Sparsanikeit erfunden und die
Harmonika verbessert." "So ist er der grosste Wirtschaftslehrer
aller Zeiten und Volker geworden." (P. 91.)
This same year Theodor Ruprecht published Benjamin
Franklin, Leben und Schriften. On page 6, we read : "Franklin
hat seit fast einem Jahrhundert unberechenbares Gut gestiftet.
. . . Diese Schriften und diese Biographic liefcrn im Verein das
Gesammtbild eines nachahmenswerthen Lebens und Strebcns, das
um so mehr Werth hat, weil es kein erfundenes, sondern ein
wahres Lebensbild ist. . . . Franklin lehrt (nicht durch
Worte, sondern durch sein Beispiel) dass die gri'indliche Bildung
und die wahre Weisheit stets Theorie und Praxis engverbunden
Hand in Hand gehen lasst. . . . Er empfiehlt durch sein Bei-
spiel fruchtbares Wissen und erspriessliche Kenntnisse. . . .*'
Page 8 : "Franklin verlangt Fleiss, Niichternheit, Sparsani-
keit, ausdriicklich als Mittel zuni Lebensgliick ; er zeugt, wie
jene Tugenden zur Grundbedingungen des wahren Lebensgliicks
f iihren ; namlich zur Unabhangigkeit. . . ."
F. C. Schlosser gives one of the best criticisms of Franklin
that we find in German literature. This account we find in his
Geschichte des achtsehnten Jahrhunderts und neunsehnten JaJir-
hunderts, Heidelberg, 1853, Band HI, Seite 346: "Er (Franklin)
war um 1765 schon seit dreissig Jahren als Griinder von Druck-
ereien, als Urheber einer verbreiteten Zeitungs- und Journal-
schreiberei und Druckerei, als Volksschriftsteller und IMoralist
in Amerika, seit fiinfzehn in Europa als Physiker, Beobachter
und Entdecker wichtiger Erscheinungen beriihrnt."
Speaking of Franklin's examination before Parliament in
1766, he says, page 557: "Dass Franklin zum Diplomatcn ge-
boren war, dass er die Tugend an den Nagel hangen konntc,
wenn die Klugheit es forderte, und dass er wiederum den halben
Quaker spielte wenn es forderte." Schlosser felt the importance
Benjainin Franklin and Germany 91
of Franklin's diplomatic ability, but he did not omit to accord
to him his just praise in literary fields. "Er ist daher ein niitzli-
cher, ein brauchbarer, ein kluger und verstandiger, aber keines-
wegs ein grosser Schriftsteller." His importance lies in his
political activities : "Dass Franklin ein geborenes diplomatisches
Genie war ; allein wir miissen hinzusetzen, dass er mit dem richti-
gen und praktischen Takt und mit der kalten und berechenenden
Klugheit des Diplomaten doch audi regen Eifer fiir das Wohl
der Menschheit und eine milde, sanfte, verstandige Religiositat
verband." Franklin's writings had influence upon all liberty-
loving people (p. 560) : "Als Schriftsteller der Demokratie
wirkte er ebenfalls vierzig Jahre hindurch mehr praktisch als
theoretisch, mehr moralisch und industriell als eigentlich politisch;
als Diplomat versteckte er unter den Aussern eines Naturkindes,
den schlausten und ganz kalt berechnenden Staatsmann. . . .
Sowohl die Sprichworter des alten Heinrichs als die Weisheit des
guten Richard, hatten in einem grossen Kreise dieselbe Wirkun-
gen, welche Pestalozzi erster Teil von Lienhard iind Gcrtrud
in einem engern in Deutschland und in der Schweiz hatte."
We read in Benjamin Franklin — Fine Biographie von F. A.
Mignet (aus dem franzosischen), von Dr. Ed. Burckhardt, Leip-
zig, 1855, page 3, thus: "Wie aber Franklin ein Mann von Genie
war, so war er auch ein Mann von klarem Verstand ; wie er ein
tugendhafter Mann war, so war er auch ein ehrenhafter Mann;
wie er ein ruhmgekronter Staatsmann, war, so war er auch ein
hingebender Burger."
Page 22: "In der Weisheit des guten Richard, im Weg mini
Gli'ick, fasste er die ganze Reihe dieser von dem feinsten Ver-
stand und der einsichtsvollsten Ehrbarkeit dictirten Grundsatze
zusammen."
Page 44: "Sein thatiger, feuriger, fruchtbarer, rechtlicher
Geist, sein energischer und entschlossener Charakter, berufen ihn
dazu, ein natiirliches tJbergewicht iiber anderen zu behaupten."
"Auf die wahre Grundlegung der Astronomic musste die
Physik, die Chemie und die Naturwissenschaft folgen ; auf Gali-
leo, Keppler, Huyghens, Newton, Leibnitz muss ein Franklin,
Priestley, Lavoiseur, Berthollet u. s. w. folgen."
92 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
In Benjamin Franklin s Gleichniss von dcr Glauhensduldung ,
Dessau, 1855, we find this passage: "Das beri;hnite Gleichniss
des amerikanischen Freiheitshelden Benjamin Frankhn (a para-
ble against persecution, Der alte Abraham) erscheint hier zuerst
in einer deutschen Ausgabe. J. Spark's Lehen Franklins, II.
Theil, II. Kapitel, zeigt, dass die Parabel uralt ist und schon von
dem persischen Dichter Saadi als eine alte hebraische Dichtung
erwahnt, und Franklin gebiihrt daher nur das Verdienst, sie in
die vorherschende, volksthiimliche Form gegossen zu haben."
Heinrich Welker von Guntershausen, Neueroffnetes Maga-
zin musikalischer Tonzverkzeuge, Band II, 1855, Frankfurt a.
M., gives a very clear and comprehensive discussion of Franklin's
"Harmonika".
In the Programm und Jahresbericht des Kaiserl. Konigl.
Oh er gymnasiums zu Laibach, fiir das Sclndjahr 1856, we read an
article treating Abbe Nollet in his position toward Benjamin
Franklin. The strong opposition which the French scientist took
toward Franklin's experiments is well known and is treated in
the above-mentioned Programm of twelve pages by Dr. Heinrich
Mitteis in a most able manner. His ideas he expresses thus :
"Diese Zeitperiode in der Entwicklungsgeschichte der Elek-
tricitatslehre, die wohl in der Entwicklungsgeschichte eines jeden
Theiles der Wissenschaft einen ahnlichen Zeitabschnitt findet,
schliesst nun mit den grossartigen Entdeckungen Franklins, zu-
gleich aber auch mit einem literarischen Streite, in welchem
Franklin's Theorie mit der bis dahin von einem grossen Theile
der Gelehrten angenommenen Theorie des franzosischen Physi-
kers Nollet verwickelt wurde. Es war dies eigentlich eine Ver-
theidigung Nollets gegen B. Franklin, ohne dass vom Letzteren
ein directer Angriff gegen den franzosischen Physiker erfolgt
ware. Die Stellung des Abbe Nollet, der sich durch seine eifri-
gen Bemiihungen wesentliche Verdienste um die Electricitat er-
worben hat, und in mancher geistreichen Vermuthung selbst dem
genialen Franklin vorangeeilt war. ... In dem Streite
zwischen Nollet und Franklin war wohl Nollet der Besiegte. . . .
"Die Gelehrten damaliger Zeit bildeten eine grosse Gesell-
schaft, welche ohne Unterschied der Nationalitat und der Con-
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 93
fession durch das gemeinsame Band der Wissenschaft verbunden
war und nach deni gemeinsamen Ziele der Ausbildung der Wis-
senschaften und der Veredlung des Geistes unablassig hinstrebte.
Was in den entfernsten Theilen der gelehrten Welt entdeckt
wurde, kam so schnell als moglich zur Kenntniss der Mitglieder
dieses grossen Vereins und wurde Gemeingut Aller."
Nollet's great service to electricity has been considered his
establishing the foundations of his direct theory. From his very
first letters to his Italian friend, Signora Ardinghelli, in Naples,
he shows that in Franklin he sees his literary opponent. (Lettres
d'Electricite I-i Lettre. ) NoUet was reserved in his attitude to-
ward the ready acceptance which was accorded Franklin's new
idea in France, as introduced by his two supporters, Bufifon and
D'Alibard. The French scientist accused Franklin of making
the statement of the electrical properties of lightning without
verification by experiment, because he felt that the weather in
Philadelphia was never so inclement as to offer to spectators the
wonderful display of an electrical storm. He was, however,
thankful to Franklin for the new statement that lightning and
electricity are identical materials, but that a pointed iron rod can
protect against lightning was to him unbelievable. Franklin's
generous attitude finally won Nollet to his mode of thinking.
"Die Streitigkeiten der Menschen vergehen mit ihnen zugleich,
die Thatsachen bleiben und die Nachwelt, welche die Dinge mit
kaltem Blute und ohne personliches Interesse erblickt, urtheilt
mit Unparteilichkeit und befreit die Wahrheit von alien Ranken,
welche dieselbe hinderten, im vollen Glanze zu erscheinen." This
is the German scientist's final version of the matter.
In the Zeitschrift filr dcutscJie Kulturgeschichte , herausge-
geben von Dr. Johannes Miiller; Johannes Falke, Niirnberg,
1858, Seite 486, the following tribute is paid to the two leaders
of the American war for freedom : "Die wiirdigsten Gestalten
eines Washington und eines Franklin, wovon der Erstere durch
seine Ritterlichkeit und seine uneigenniitzige Liebe zum Vater-
land, der Letztere durch seine schlichte Biirgerlichkeit die Herzen
gewonnen, konnten nicht anders als das lebhafteste Interesse aller
edleren Geister erwecken."
94 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Klinger, one of the great leaders of the Sturm und Drang
Periodc, sought to secure an opportunity to reach America. Of
this detail of his life we read: "Da schaffte nun Schlosser den
Rat dass Pfefifel ihm durch Franklin eine Stelle im Kriegsdienste
der Vereinigten Staaten verschaffen sollte. Franklin war Ge-
sandte am Hofe Ludwigs XVI., der vor kurzem, am 6. Februar,
einen Allianzvertrag mit dem jungen Freistaate geschlossen hat
und in den Krieg mit England eingetreten war. Ob der blinde
Pedagog und Dichter in Colmar eine unmittelbare Verbindung
mit dem beriihmten amerikanischen Popularphilosophen, Physi-
ker und Diplomaten besass, weiss ich nicht; wenn nicht, so war
ihm derselbe doch durch seinen Bruder Christian Friedrich zu-
ganglich, der als 'J^^'"^^ Consulte du Roi' mit Geschaften des aus-
wartigen Departments betraut in franzosischem Dienste stand
und am Sitze der Regierung lebte.""'' In Franklin's correspond-
ence, no letter from Klinger comes to view, but no doubt if his
brother held such an imperial position, Franklin would have
naturally known him.
"Es ist das Verdienst eines deutschen Geschichtsschreibers,
Schlossers in Heidelberg, Franklin in seiner geschichtlichen und
personlichen Bedeutung besser als Amerikaner, Franzosen und
Englander gewiirdigt und characterisirt zu haben. . . . Schlos-
ser characterisirt deshalb Franklin so gut, weil er eine ihm ganz
verwandte Natur ist."
Thus Friedrich Kapp, on page 46 of his Lebcn des ameri-
kanischen Generals IVilhelm von Steuben, Berlin, 1858, praises
Schlosser's attitude toward Franklin.
J. Venedey, in 1862, published in Freiburg in Ereisgau
Benjamin Franklins Lehen. On page 355, the chapter entitled
FJn Lebensbild, he writes: "Nordamerika hat das grosste Gliick
zwei Manner in dem Vordergrunde der Ereignisse seiner Revo-
Klinger, in der Sturm und Drang Periode. M. Rieger, p. 262.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 95
lution zu sehen, die der Menschheit stets zu Vorbildern . . .
Washington und Franklin . . . der ritterliche Edelmut
herrscht in Jenem, die biirgerliche Klugheit in Diesem vor. . . .
Franklin wurde zum kliigsten Manne seiner Zeit ; der trotz seiner
Klugheit jede unedle Neigung in seinem Wesen bekampfte und
besiegte. . . . Franklin's Leben zeigt zugleich den Weg zur
Tugend, und ist hierdurch ein Erziehungsbeispiel fiir die
Menschheit."
In Friedrich Nosselt's Lchrbucli zur Kenntniss der vcrscliie-
denen Gattungen Poesie und Prosa, sechste Auflage, Stuttgart,
1877, Band I, Seite 298, entitled "Die Anekdote und Lapidar-
styl", he gives this picture for his young readers : "J^^er er-
zahlt eine kurze Begebenheit oder eine Ausserung einer Person;
doch muss die Eine und die Andere sich Witz oder Neuheit aus -
zeichnen oder eine sonst merkwiirdige Person betreffen, damit
die Zuhorer bei der Erzahlung Vergniigen empfinden."
On page 299 he writes : "Unter Lapidarstyl versteht man
wenige kraftige Worte, welche auf Grabsteine, auf Miinzen, auf
Denksaulen gesetzt werden, um das Andenken an wichtige Bege-
benheiten oder Personen zu erhalten. Z. B., die Grabschrift,
welche der beriihmte Franklin, der Erfinder des Blitzableiters,
erst Buchdrucker, dann Gesandte des nordamerikanischen Frei-
staats, gestorben 1 790 in Philadelphia, sich selbst setzte :
" 'Der Leib Benjamin Franklins, Drucker, liegt hier als
Speise fiir Wiirmer wie der Einband eines alten Buches, aus wel-
chem das Werk gerissen, Aufschrift und Vergoldung abgegriffen
ist. Aber das Werk wird nicht verloren gehen, denn es wird er-
scheinen in einer neuen zierlichen Auflage, durchgesehen und ver-
bessert vom Verfasser.' "
Karl Biedermann in Deufschland im aclifsehnten Jahrhun-
dcrt, Leipzig, 1880, page 162, discussing Der Einfluss der ameri-
kanischen und franaosiscJien Revolution auf Klopf stock writes;
"Vor allem jedoch war es das praktische Beispiel der fiir
ihre Unabhangigkeit kampfenden nordamerikanischen Colonien
Englands, was bei alien civilisirten Volkern Europas den stark-
sten Einfluss hervorbrachte und den Grundsiitzen des Vernunft-
rechts deren beredte Vertheidigung von dem englischen Parla-
96 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
ment ein Mann von so iicht biirgerlich-republikanischem Gepriige
wie Franklin fiihrte rasch die allgemeinste Zustimmung unci Aner-
kennung verschafifte. Diese letzteren Eindriicke zumal mogen in
den durch einen lebhaften Handelsverkehr mit Nordamerika eng
verbunden, ohnehin seiner eig^nen Verfassung nach republikani-
schem Hamburg, wo damals Klopstock lebte, sich wesentlich f iihl-
bar gemacht haben."
Benjamin Franklin, Sein Leben von iJim selbst beschriehen. Vor-
wort von Berthold Auerbach, und historiscJi-politische Ein-
leiiung von Friedrich Kapp. Berlin, 1882.
"Das Leben Franklins tritt als Buch von dauernder pada-
gogischer Wirkung in Parallele zur Geschichte Robinson Cru-
soes."
Seite 10: "Wie bei uns z. B. Goethe und Humboldt, so ist
fiir die Vereinigten Staaten Benjamin Franklin ein solcher, seine
Landsleute machtig fordernder und in seine Zeit gewaltig ergrei-
fender Charakter, so verkniipft sich mit ihm nicht allein die
geistliche sondern auch die politische Entwicklung seines Vater-
landes, so verkorpert sich in ihm mehr wie irgend einem An-
deren das gewaltige und erfolgreiche Ringen eines ganzen Jahr-
hunderts. Die Welt war eine gliickliche und freiere als Frank-
lin sie verliess. Nicht allein sein Vaterland, auch die ganze
Menschheit hatte durch seine Arbeit an geistlichen Giitern gewon-
nen. Als ich das erste gute Bild Franklins sah, trat es mir wie
ein alter Bekannter entgegen. 'Den kennst du ja seit deiner Ju-
gend', rief ich unwillkiirlich aus, ist das nicht Schulze Westhof
oder Kolon Nordmeier?"
Seite 55 : "Justus Moser — fand ich in ihm dieselbe Grund-
anschauung, wie in jenem wieder, denselben festen historischen
Sinn, denselben aus dem Boden seiner niichsten Umgebungen,
hervorwachsenden Gemeingeist, denselben gutmiitigen Humor
und dasselbe Herz fiir sein Volk. . . . Der eine macht Politik
imd Geschichte, der andere schreibt sie vom Gesichtspunkte patri-
otischer Phantasien aus. . . ."
Seite 66: "Denn der grosse Amerikaner ist durch seine ger-
manische Abstammung und Auffassung der sittlichen Pflichten
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 97
des Lebeiis ebenso sehr dcr unsrige als Shakespeare bei uns Deiit-
sclien gleich nebeii Goethe iind Schiller steht."
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Miinster, 1882.
In the Vorhemerkungen the author says of the Autobiography:
"Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography ist ein Werk das sowohl
wegen seiner klassischen, einfach edlen Sprache als noch mehr
wegen seines Inhalts die grosste Bedeutung verdient."
Dr. Richard Mayer in English Authors, Bielefeld and Leip-
zig, 1889, discusses Franklin's Autobiography and agrees with
Herder's ideas of the renowned American: '"Herder mit vielem
Rechte Franklin den edelsten Volksschriftsteller des an popularer
Literatur so i'lberreichen Jahrhunderts nennt.''
In Bielefeld und Leipzig, 1889, appeared also Benjamin
Franklin's Autobiography, mit Anmerkungen ::um Schulgcbrauch,
page 4, with Pitt's appreciation of Franklin as "one whom ail
Europe held in high estimation for his knowledge and wisdom ;
who was an honor not to the English nation only, but to human
nature", is quoted.
In 1769, St. Jacob's Church, in Hamburg, was protected
with a lightning rod. Die Geschichie der Physik, by Dr. Frie-
drich Rosenberger, Braunschweig, 1882, Vol. Ill, page 316, gives :
"Nach der Wiener Zeitung (Neue freie PresseJ, befinden sich in
der Bibliothek der Wiener elektrischen Ausstellung, 1882, die
handschriftlichen Beilegung, dass der Pramonstratenser Ordens-
priester Prokop Dievisch in Prenditz bei Znaim am 15. Juni,
1754, eine 22 klafter hohe Wetterstange errichtet und diesen
Blitzableiter unabhangig von Franklin erfunden hat. Da Frank-
lin seine Vorschlage fiber die Herableitung des Blitzes schon 1750
machte und schon 1753 eine Theorie des Blitzableiters gab,
scheint uns doch der Beweis fiir die vollstandige Unabhangig-
keit des Dievisch von Franklin recht schwer zu fiihren zu sein."
We find mention of the following work of Franklin's, A
Modest Enquiry into the Natiire and Necessity of a Paper Cur-
rency, Philadelphia, 1729.
Karl Knortz, in his Gcschichtc der nordamcrikanischen Lite-
ratur, Berlin, 1891, page 30 ff., writes: "Franklin's Einfluss
wuchs von Tag zu Tag. . . . Er lehrte Ehrlichkeit, Massig-
98 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
keit, Ausdauer unci Vaterlandsliebe ; die Tugendregeln, die er in
seinem 'armen Richard' viel gab, hatte er alle an sich selber pro-
biert. Er besass ein gesundes Urteil, schnelle Auffassungsgabe
und bewundernswerten Scharfsinnf er war ohne Stolz und Sehn-
sucht, iiberhaiipt ein wahrer Held des Friedens. . . . Er
schrieb klar, verstandlich und einfach ; seinen Stil hatte er nach
Bunyan, dessen Pilgrim's Progress sein Liebhngsbuch war,
gebildet."
In a Gcschiclite der englischcn Literatur (Mit einem An-
hang — Die nordamerikanische Literatur), by Edward Engel,
Leipzig, 1897, P^S^ 53^ : "Das helle Licht des neuen Tages geht
auf mit Benjamin Frankhn. In ihm kommt nicht nur ein edlerer
Gottesbegriff zur Gekung; er verbreitete audi mit der DeutHch-
keit eines Musterbeispiels viele der echt amerikanischen Eigen-
schaften; ein rightiger 'Yankee' im guten Sinne."
In Beitrdge zur amerikanisehen Litteratur- und Kulturge-
schichte, E. P. Evans, Stuttgart, 1898, page 64, discussing
Ralph Waldo Emerson says : "Er vereinigte in sich die Erleuch-
tung des Jacob Bohme und die Lebensweisheit des Benjamin
Franklin."
c. Franklin as Treated in German Literature of the Twentieth
Century.
Das Literarisehe Echo j, pages 1696- 1697 for 1905, gives a
very able article by Max Kohn, entitled Amcrika im Spiegel deut-
scher Dichtung, which treats Franklin and the lofty appreciation,
which Herder felt for the founder of the American Philosophical
Society :
"Der erste mit der ganzen Glut dichterischer Begeisterung
der aufstrebenden Republik zujauchzte war Klopfstock, ihm
folgte Herder mit seiner Verehrung Benjamin Franklins, des
Lehrers der Menschheit, des Ordners einer grossen Gesellschaft.
Nach diesem Amerika Franklins wenden dann die Kraftgenies,
denen das eingeschniirte und zivilisirte Europa, keinen Spielraum
fiir die freie Entfaltung der Kriifte mehr lasst, gern ihren Blick."
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 99
Klinger, Schubart, Schiller, Platen, Lenau, Heine, Borne and
Goethe, all these enthusiastic admirers of freedom were attracted
to the uprising of the American children against their oppressive
mother country.
Professor Eduard Engel, in Geschichte der englischen Lite-
ratur, Chapter VI Die nordamerikanischc Literatur, 6. Auflage,
Leipzig, pages 459-460, says : "Das helle Licht des neuen Tages
geht auf mit Benjamin Franklin. In ihm kommt nicht mir ein ed-
lerer Gottesberiff zur Geltung; er vertritt auch mit der Deutlich-
keit eines Musterbeispiels viele der echt amerikanischen Eigen-
schaften; ein richtiger 'Yankee' im guten Sinne. . . . Seine ein-
zige literarisch-wertvolle, noch heute lesbare Hinterlassenschaft
ist die in seinem 79. Lebensjahre verfasste 'Autobiography', 1785,
zugleich eine ausgezeichnete Darstellung des amerikanischen Le-
bens im achtzehnten Jahrhundert. Er zeigt sich darin als der
Apostel der Niitzlichkeit, Sparsamkeit, Schlauheit, kurz der ver-
einigten Lebensprosa. . . . Bei der Ervvahnung Franklin's
mag zugleich des auffallenden Umstands gedacht werden, dass
kein Volk so viele langlebige beriihmte Manner der Literatur auf-
weist wie die Nordamerikaner." Franklin is still worthy of a
first place in the story of the colonial period, not only in the pol-
itical interest, which he necessarily inspires, but the fame of the
"Autobiography" and "Poor Richard", hold for him this place
among the pioneers of American literature. When we consider
that Franklin did not have this aim, of stamping himself as a
literary star in the broad sky of talent, and remember that even
today his maxims are repeated in nearly every living language,
and his name is synonymous with the lightning-rod and other of
his well-known inventions, we must be proud to feel that foreign
lands still include his name among the famous fathers of Amer-
ican freedom and American literature.
The Zeitschrift fi'ir Bi'icherfreunde, Bielefeld und Leip-
zig, 1905, mentions the work of Gottfried August Burger: "In
seiner letzten Lebensjahren hat Biirger durch seine finanzielle
Notlage gedrangt noch wiederholt zur Feder des IJbersetzers ge-
griffen. So erschien 1792 bei Rollmann in Berlin Benjamin
Franklins Jugendjahre, von ihm sclbst filr seinen Sohn heschric-
loo Benjamin Franklin and Germany
hen, unci iibersetct von G. A. Biirger, ein Buch welches in dcr
Folge in Deutschland grosse Verbreitung gefunden hat." The
author says of Franklin : "Durch Franklin wurden also die ersten
Beziehungen zwischen amerikanischen und deutschen Denkern
und Gelehrten angekniimpft."
Ahhandlungen i'lhcr Elektrotlierapie, Heft 4; Die Franklin-
sche Elekirizitat in der medidnisehen IVissenschaft und Praxis,
Dr. August von Luzenberger, Leipzig, 1901, speaking of
Franklin's abilities in electricity, writes : "Die spater sogenannte
statische oder Franklinsche Elektricitat, ist die erste Form, in
welcher dieser alldringende Agent und dessen Molikularbewe-
gung sich unseren Sinnen dargeboten hat. . . . Fine andere
Form von Kondensatoren verdanken wir Franklin, welche Frank-
linometer genannt ist. . . ."
In Gescliichte der englischen Litteratur, von Geh. Hofrat
Professor Dr. Richard Wiilker, II — neu-bearbeite und vermehrte
Auflage, Band II, Leipzig und Wien, 1907, Seite 422 ff., we read :
"Dem ersten amerikanischen Autor, der weltberuhmt wurde, be-
gegnen wir in Benjamin Franklin ( 1706- 1790). Fiir die europii-
ische Welt war Franklin der erste typische Amerikaner, und we-
nigstens zwei seiner Schriften waren die ersten eines Amerikaners,
die in alle europaischen Sprachen iibersetzt wurden. Dcr arme
Richard, vom Jahre 1758, und seine Sclbstbiograpliie. Goethe,
iiberall scharfsichtig und scharf formellirend, vergleicht Frank-
lin mit Justus Moser, in Absicht auf Wahlgemeinniitziger Gegen-
stande, auf tiefe Einsicht, freie tJbersicht, gliickliche Behand-
lung, so griindlichen als frohen Humor. Auch das tjbrige was
Goethe in Bezug auf Moser ausspricht, lasst sich auf Franklin
iibertragen.
"Immer ist er iiber seinen Gegenstand erhaben und weiss uns
eine heitere Ansicht des Fernsten zu geben; bald hinter dieser,
bald hinter jener Maske halb versteckt, bald in eigener Person
sprechen immer vollstandig und erschopfend, dabei immer froh,
mehr oder weniger ironisch, durchaus tiichtig, rechtschaffend,
wohlmeinend, ja manchmal derb und hastig, und dieses alles sc*
abgemessen, dass man zugleich den Geist, den Verstand, die
Benjamin Franklin and Germany loi
Leichtigkeit, Gewandheit, den Geschmack und Character des
Schriftstellers bevvundern muss."
Professor J. Wiese, in his book entitled Der Mann des Er-
folgs, Benjamin Franklin, Stuttgart, 1909, gives a most detailed
account of the life in all its phases of this American patriot. His
poem dedicated to Franklin will be given later.
"Ein Mann, der noch ini hohen Greisenalter in treuer Pflicht-
erfiillung seinem Lande von gewaltigem Nutzen sein kann
und durch selbstlose Arbeit die Entwicklung seines Vaterlandes
in moralischer, geistiger, wissenschaftlicher und politischer Hin-
sicht machtig zu f ordern versteht, ist wahrhaft gliicklich zu prei-
sen und wird fortleben ini Gedachtnis der dankbaren Mensch-
heit. Kin soldier Mann war Benjamin Franklin." (S. i.)
"Fine grosse historische Personlichkeit wie Franklin, der
auf die Geschichte seines Vaterlandes und der ganzen Welt einen
so machtigen Einfluss ausgeiibt hat, der unter den Staatsmannern
und Gelehrten seiner Zeit in so hohem Ansehen stand und an den
ersten Hofen Europas mit so ausserordentlichem Erfolg tatig
war, verdient von alien Seiten betrachtet zu werden." (S. 60.)
"In Zeitschriften, die Franklin zur Belehrung und Aufkla-
rung des Volkes oder der Regierung schrieb, die Alle das Ge-
priige der Einfachbeit, Knappheit und Klugheit tragen und auf
die Erfahrung des Praktikers gegriindet sind, hat er Lehren ent-
wickelt, die heute noch Muster in ihrer Art bilden." (S. 62.)
The following is the plan which the author followed in his
treatment of Franklin :
"i. Als Mensch iibte er die Tugenden der Massigkeit, der
Geduld und des Fleisses und wusste sie einzupragen.
"2. Als Burger wusste er der Gewalt der Tyrannen zu wie-
derstehen, und die Freiheit seiner Landsleute zu sichern.
"3. Als Gesetzgeber war er ein glanzendes Beispiel eines
iiber alle Bestechlichkeit erhabenen Charakters, der fortwahrend
nur das Heil seiner Auftraggeber zu f ordern strebte.
"4. Als Politiker wusste er auf der einen Seite durch seine
geschickten Unterhandlungen den Beistand einer machtigen Na-
tion zu erlangen und auf der anderen die gemeinschaftlichen In-
teressen eines Kongresses von Republiken ins Leben zu rufen und
I02 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
indem er einen Mittelpunkt festsetzte, auf den sie ihre Bleihe
he f ten konnten, ihre Gesammtmacht fur die Zwecke der Einheit,
der Harmonic, der Gesetzgebung und der Verteidigung zu kon-
zentrieren.
"5. Als Philosoph waren seine Arbeiten und Entdeckungen
darauf gerichtet, die Interessen der Menschheit zu fordern und
er verdiente in Wahrheit der Freund der Menschen und der
WohUhater des Weltalls genannt zu werden." (S. 138.)
CHAPTER VI.
Franklin in German Poetry.
It is interesting to know that the leaders of the cause of the
American Revolution, especially two of these leaders were well
known to Germany and were held in universal esteem. These
two symbolized in themselves the great conception of the rise of
a nation against the thraldom of tyranny — these two, Washing-
ton and Franklin.
In the Leipzig er Musenalmanach aufs Jahr 1778, printed in
Leipzig, on page 141 we read the following poem on Franklin in
Paris, by Hase:
"Die ersten Tag' ersticken fast dich im Gedrange,
Der dich umgebenden neugierigen Menge,
Allein kaum bist du Wochen da gewesen,
So hast du schon beriihmter Geist vergessen,
Und musst in deinen grauen Jahren
Des griinen Esels Schicksal noch erfahren."
Voss in his Luise makes reference to these two leaders,
Washington and Franklin:
"Lies noch ein Weilchen im Bett, wie du pflegst : ein Kapitel der
Bibel,
Dort auf der kleinern Riole zur Seite dir: oder ein Leibebuch
Besserer Zeit, als Menschen wie Washington lebten und Frank-
lin."
In Vorhilder fur die Jugend, by Dr. Franz Otto and Dr. H.
Schramm, Leipzig, 1873:
"Es wirkt mit Macht der edle Mann
Jahrhunderte auf Seinesgleichen,
Die gute That, das schone Wort,
Es strebt unsterblich, wie er sterblich fort." — Goethe.
We see this poem applied to Franklin, considering him as
the personification of practical utility: one whose life must prove
an example for youth and manhood.
(103)
104 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Theodor Rnprecht in his Benjamin Franklin, Leben und
Schriften, has a German translation of the verse, which appears
in several of the English editions of his works. It runs as fol-
lows:
"Er hat geraubt des Himmels Strahl
Und Wissenschaf t erbliih'n Wiisteneien geheissen ;
Amerika nennt ihn den grossten seiner Weisen
Hellas hatt' ihn gesellt seiner Gotter Zahl."
Lavater's Grahschrift yields its high place in the ranks of
elegiac praise of this father of freedom, to the splendid Grah-
schrift of Schubart:
"Hier liegt in Graberstille
Franklins Hiille
Geist, Weiser, Patriot,
Voll Vaterland und Gott;
Er wusste den Strahl der Tyrannen
Wie Blitze des Himmels zu bannen,
Und aus glasernen Glocken
Himmlische Tone zu locken.
Wie einem Brautigam die Braut,
Bot ihm Freiheit die Hand ;
Dann fiihrt' er sie liebevertraut
In Columbus gKickliches Land.
Seine Name frei und gross
Flog iiber den Okeanus,
Columbia trauert um Ihn,
Europa klagt um Ihn,
Der kiihne Franke hiillt sich in Flor ;
Doch Franklin's Seele flog empor
Ins Urlicht, Geister drangen
In Schaaren herbei,
Wilkommten ihn und sangen ;
Wen Gott frei macht,
1st ewig frei."^^^
In the Litter arise lies Leben des Koniglich-Baierischen Ge-
heimenrates und Ritters Anton von Klein, Wiesbaden, 1818, S.
36 ff., we have a poem which reads as follows:
Empfindungen des Doktor Franklin bei einem Blick in die
"a Gedichte.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 105
Natur. — This is a poem of twenty stanzas, interpolated with re-
marks and explanations of the author. We shall give the stanzas
that refer directly to Dr. Franklin. The entire poem gives a
vivid description of a severe storm, how nature and all animate
creation cower before the turbulence and power of the storm
king. The poem runs thus :
"i. Dem Meeresschlund entwirbeln Stiirme
Zum Mond hinauf ;
Am Halmchen ruhen hier Gewiirme;
Er wankt im Lauf.
"2. Flieh' Miickchen! Nehm dein goldnes Leben
Dein Gott wandelt : Wetter heben.
Gott beugt er sich.
"3. Wer leiht, Uran, in jenen Fernen,
Dass Licht kleid dir?
Einst nehm' ich dich mit hohern Sternen
Zur Krone mir.
"14. Wer trotzet Donner, deinem Grimme?
Der Weise hier,
Er lachet deiner Gotterstimme
Und spielt mit dir!
"15. Sein Stabchen, das den Blitz verschlinget,
Schiitzt stille mich ;
Die Schopfung wankt ; cin Kettchen bringet
Ihm machtlos dich!"
Benjamin Franklin is treated very ably in a book entitled
Manner des Erfolgs, von Dr. J. Wiese, Stuttgart, 1909. On page
56 he gives a poem of twenty stanzas, written by Dr. Georg Bie-
denkapp, Der in schimcn Verscn Franklin's herrliche Erfindiing
preist:
"i. Dunipf lullert der Donner, es tiirmen zu Hauf
Im Westen sich finstere Wolken herauf ;
Jetzt hebt sich der Sturm und wirbelt den Staub,
Schon netzen die Tropfen das diirstende Laub.
io6 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
"2. Hin ! Zuckt das Grell ! Wie knattert es laut
Doch mutigen Knaben vor Blitzen nicht graut;
Schlagt Menschen der Strahl audi noch manchmal ins Dach
So halt ihn doch Frankhn's Erfindung in Schach.
"3. Zwar tins ist der BHtz als natiirlich bekannt,
Doch denkt euch die Zeit da niemand verstand,
Wie Feuer den wassrichen Wolken entspringt,
Weil Feuer gewohnlich ins Wasser entrinnt.
"18. Im kleinen ist's Donner und Blitzen! So dacht'
Auch Franklin, und gleich ward die Probe gemacht.
Sobald ein Gewitter im Himmel erschien,
Flugs liess einen Drachen wolkenwiirts ziehen.
"19. Bald waren elektrische Drachen wie Schur
Von Schlafen den Blitzen verriet sich die Spur
In Funken, die Franklin zu locken verstand,
Aus der Schnur, die Erde und Wolken verband.
"20. So erfand er den Blitzableiter, erzwang
Die Elektricitat in metallenen Gang,
Wie tobender Wildbach und reissender Fluss
In kiinstliches Sternlicht ergiessen sich muss."
In Der IVeg zum Reichtum, by R. L. Stab, Berlin, 1891, we
find these four introductory lines :
"Der edle Mann lebt nie vergebens,
Er geht einst, hemmt sich hier sein Lauf
Nach Sonnenuntergang des Lebens.
Als ein Gestirn der Nacht wallt auf." — Tiedge.
Johann Jacob Meyen was the author of Franklin, der Philo-
soph und Staatsmann (In fiinf Gesangen), Alt-Stettin, 1787:
"Ein Mann, einer gab uns durch kliigliches zogern den Freistaat,
Nie war lernender Ruf bei ihm mehr und friiher als Rettung,
Darum jauchzet die Nachwelt dem Helden je langer, je heller."
Der erste Gcsang.
"Den Philosophen besingt mein Lied, der dem neueren Welttheil
Jenseits des Mar del Nord das Licht der Wissenschaft brachte,
Und sein seufzendes Vaterland von Tyrannen befreite,
Von der Natur gesandt, als Wiilder und Hiitten der Wilden^
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 107
In Provinzeii verwandelt, eines Fiihrers bedurften
Der den Geist der Freiheit durch Weisheit und Kiinste veredelt,
Den Nationalgeist bildet, und mit sich holier emporhebt
Die Grundfeste des Staats viel Leiden und Schrecken des Todes ;
Ergriffen den heldenmiithigen Weisen, das Joch der Tyrannen
Driickte das Volk, Britanniens Zepter zerschlug die Erdriickten ;
Da trat der Weise hervor und ward des Vaterlands Retter,
Gab der Freiheit ihr Recht und griindete siegreich den Frei-
staat."
Meyen continues in his praise of Frankhn :
"Wir Kiistenbewohner der schiffreichen Ostsee wir horten
Auch mit Wonne empfindend Franklin's weitschallende Thaten
Auch uns reizte die Weisheit des Menschenretters aus Boston."
His songs give a biographical sketch of Franklin, comparing
him with Cadmus, Caesar, Theseus, Plato and others. Especially
does he emphasize Franklin's scientific discoveries in electricity.
Thus the first song closes :
"O begliicktes Deutschland ! du Mutter des grossen Leibnitz,
Sei gerecht ; Franklin war nicht von Winklern belehret,
Winkler war nicht so stark, des Prometheus' Arbeit zu wagen.
Fragt Franklinen, er wird f reimiithig die Wahrheit sage ;
Er ist zu reich, zu gross, zu edel fiir fremde Lorbeeren.
Sei gerecht, und schiitze dagegen des grossen Leibnitz."
Der sweite Gesang praises again the achievements of Frank-
lin, particularly the founding of the Academy of Philadelphia.
"Durch ihn ragst du hervor, Philadelphia, hier ist der Schauplatz
Der Wissenschaften, die Akademie die er stiftete; er gab
Ihr seinen Geist, den edlen Stolz, sich hoher zu schwingen,
Und mit denkenden Mannern den wachsenden Staat zu beschen-
ken."
The Harmonika is not forgotten :
"O Franklin! du neuer Kolumbus im Reiche der Tonkunst;
Alle die nach dir kommen und deine Harmonika schmiicken,
Sind nur wie Goldarbeiter, und keiner Kolumbus ; der Gold
fand."
io8 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Nearly one hundred lines are devoted to his powers as a
statesman :
"Jetzt betritt der vveise Franklin einen neiien Schauplatz,
Er der Wissenschaft Licht, wird nun ein Licht in der Staats-
kunst.
"Reich an Kenntnissen, stark und holde an stiirmender Rede.
Ein Menschenfreund, der fiir jeden gemacht, jeder deni sich
einflosst.
Keiner als nur Franklin war's, kein geringerer konnt' es.
Wahrheit und Gliickseligkeit sind die Grundfeste seines Sys-
tems."
Der dritte Gesang.
Here in verse we read of Franklin's political career in Lon-
don:
". . . Franklin ! Franklin ist der Name,
Den sie verkiindigt, Franklin, Philosoph und Sprecher des
Volkes,
Ist des Landes Vater und fordert die Rechte der Freiheit."
Der vierte Gesang.
Here we have Franklin in France :
"Heil dem Staate! Franklin ist des Gesetzbuches Stifter,
Seine Kenntnisse sind der unerschopfliche Vorrath der Bauma-
terien."
Der fiinffe Gesang-
"Zitternd sah der Neid und der Geiz den bidren Franklin an,
Und die Verlaumdung mit ihnen, und die verstimmende Fama,
Die sich nun ungern zum Ruhme der Wahrheit als Heraldin
ausschickt,
Und Thersitens Schatten mit lang ausholendem Seufzer."
Note: Meyen's book of 120 pages (approximatel)^ 1300
lines) found in the American Philosophical Society is incomplete.
No other copy was found by the author. This copy was no doubt
in Franklin's own possession and shows marks that the final pages
were cut out or lost..
CHAPTER VII.
Franklin as Known to Goethe.
Franklin as a noble old man "reminds us of some of the
glimpses we catch in contemporary letters of the aged Goethe,
a man who had much in common with Franklin."'^ "A life like
Franklin's solves the problem stated in the Faust of Goethe;
which is, How shall a man become satisfied with life?" If we fol-
low a close comparison of the lives of these two men, we can con-
fidently say that their paths were at times divergent and at times
they seemed to join in the broad highway of utility. It has been
said, by critics of these two, that they lacked the good habit of
regular church service. Franklin expresses his views very
strongly on the matter thus : "Though I seldom attended any
public worship, I had still an opinion of its propriety and its
utility, when rightly conducted, and I regularly paid my annual
subscriptions for the support of the only Presbyterian minister
or meeting we had in Philadelphia. He used to visit me some-
times as a friend, and admonished me to attend his administra-
tions, and I was now and then prevailed on to do so; once for
five Sundays. Had he been in my opinion a good preacher, per-
haps I might have continued, notwithstanding the occasion I had
for the Sunday's leisure in my course of study ; but his discourses
were chiefly polemic arguments, or explications of the peculiar
doctrines of our sect, and even all to me very dry, uninteresting
and unedifying, since not a single moral principle was inculcated
or enforced ; their aim seeming to be to make us Presbyterians,
rather than good citizens."
Goethe had a similar feeling with regard to attending
church, which he expresses : 'Tf Protestants sought to define
more clearly what ought to be done, lived and taught; if they
imposed an inviolable reverential silence or the mysteries of re-
ligion, without compelling any man to assent to the dogmas . . .
I should, myself, be the first to visit the church of my brethren
''James Parton. Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. Vol. II, p. 581
(p. 639).
(109)
TTO Benjamin Franklin and Germany
in religion, with sincere heart, and to submit myself with willing
edification to the practical confession of a faith which connected
itself so immediately with action."'*^
In the Goethe Jahrbuch, Band 25 (1904), Seite 4, in an
article entitled Briefzvechsel :^zviseJien Goethe unci Ainerikanern
. . von Leonard L. Mackall, we read : "Wenn der trefiiiche
Goethe und Herder wohlbekannte Benjamin Franklin schon 1730
ein deutsches Gesangbuch druckte und zwei Jahre darauf wahr-
scheinlich die Philadelphia Zeitung begrundete, 1766 Gottingen
besuchte, und sonst viel dazu beitrug die deutsche Sprache in
Amerika einzufiihren und andere ihm beistanden, so bleiben diese
Versuche noch meistens sporadisch."
Goethe as the President of the Freitagsgcsellschaft, of
which, as we know, Herder was the original instigator, must
have received, through his friend and fellow-worker a strong im-
pression of the worth of Dr. Franklin, as the founder of the
Junto. Professor O. Harnack, in the Goethe Jahrbuch, XVH
(1896), pages 23-24, says: "Wenn Goethe in den Wanderjahren
den Zustand der neuen Zeit greifbar bezeichnen will, so weist er
auf Amerika hin ; Amerika mit seiner eigenartigen Kulturform
war aber auch schon 1797 als ein neues, auf eine Zukunfts-
Epoche hinweisendes Gebilde in den Gesichtskreis der weiter-
blickenden Beobachter getreten. Der Befreiungskrieg der Ver-
einigten Staaten, die Erscheinung des practisch-nuchternen, ein-
fach selbstbeweissten Franklin war von empfindsamen Gemii-
thern, nur als ein neuer Anlass zu begeisterter Schwarmerei fiir
Freiheit und Gleichheit aufgefasst worden."
Turning to Goethe's Tagehilcher, we find under the date
April 2y, 181 7, the following notice, which gives insight into the
books, which were interesting Goethe at this time : "Johii Hun-
tersleben von Adams — Entwiirfe und Abschriften von natur-
wissenschaftlichem Hefte — Abends zu Knebels — Franklin's Le-
hcn." Again, two days later, we read : "Zu Knebel, woselbst
Hofrath Luden — mit Franklin's Leben und Character."
Goethe was in Strassburg in 1770. In April of that year:
'* Sarah Austin. Characteristics of Goethe. I, 77.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 1 1 1
"Erhohte Anatomic bei Lobstein, Chemie bei Spielmann, besuchte
die Klinik des alteren Ehrmann und die Vorlesungen des jiinge-
ren Ehrmann iiber Entbindmigskunst.
"Auch die Elektricitat, in der kurz vorher Franklin seine
grosse Entdeckung gemacht hatte, beschaftige ihn, und nicht we-
niger als neun Schriften iiber diesen Gegenstand finden sich in
dem Tagebuche zur Lektiire angemerkt/'""
The Erench Revolution had a marked effect upon Goethe :
"Die Repubhk hatte ihn mit einer besondern Auszcichnung ge-
ehrt; zugleich mit Washington, Franklin, Tom Paine, Pesta-
lozzi, Campe, Klopstock, dem beriichtigten Anacharsis Klotz und
einigen Andern wurde ihm das franzosische Biirgerrccht er-
theilt.'"^^
Turning to the year 1828, we find Goethe the last two days
of the year busy once more interestedly reading Franklin's life in
its Erench translation. "December 30, 1828. Mittage allein.
Franklins Leben neu ins Eranzosische iibersetzt." "December
31. Las ich Franklins Leben weiter." The edition of Frank-
lin's Life, which he used was La Vie de Benjamin Franclin, Tra-
duction Nouvelle, Paris, 1828.
He writes to C. E. Zelter from Weimar, April 2, 1829, after
a careful study of his theory of colors, the following: "Ware
meine Farbenlehre nicht ein verbotenes Buch und deshalb schwer
aufzufinden, so wiirde ich sagen : die unter dem Datum 2. Januar,
1 766, von dem wackern Franklin als problematische hinterlassene
Erscheinungen und in obgedachtem meineni Biichlein, und zwar
gleich zu An fang die der ersten Abtheilung iiberschrieben : Physi-
ologische Earben mit alien ihren Seitenverwandten auf's deut-
lichste und vollstandigste, wie mir scheinen darf, abgeleitet, aus-
gelegt und erklart wie man sagen mochte. Diese meine Arbeit ist
nun bald zwanzig Jahre offentlich ; das Niitzliche davon hat aber
noch nicht in die Masse verbreitet."'^^
In a copy in the possession of the Geh. Archivrath Dr. Ernst
Eriedlander in Berlin, there is a letter dated January 2, 1762, in
" Goethe's Leben und Werke, von G. H. Lewes, i Band (autorisierte
tJbersetzung von Dr. Julius Frese), 16 Auflage; S. 70.
'Ubid., S. 155.
'"Goethe's Brief e, 45 Band, S. 231-232.
112 Bcnjaiiiin Franklin and Germany
which reference is made to FrankHn's ideas of music. Bricfc,
Band 45, Lcscartcn, Seite 412-41,3.
Already as early as 1798 from Weimar we read the follow-
ing letter to Schiller, dated January 26, in which he speaks of
Darwin's Theories of Botanical Gardens, and also Dr. Frank-
lin's Erfindung, dcni Geivittcr seine Blitae ^u nehmen^^
Again he addresses Zelter from Weimar, February 28, 181 1,
in which there is mention made of Franklin : "J^- Voltaire er-
kiihnt sich irgendwo zu sagen: J'ai toujours remarque que la
Geometric laisse I'esprit ou elle se trouve— auch hat schon Frank-
lin cine besondere Aversion gegen die Mathematiker, in Absicht
auf geselligen Umgang, klar und deutlich ausgedriickt, wo es
ihrcn Kleinigkeits- und Wiederspruchsgeist unertraglich findet.^'
"Schon als Kind begegnete mir Franklin's Lehre von der
Elektricitat, welches Gesetz er damals soeben gefunden hatte.
Und so folgte durch mein ganzes Leben bis zu dieser Stunde,
eine grosse Entdeckung der anderen ; wodurch ich denn nicht
allein friih auf die Natur hingeleitet, sondern auch spater immer-
fort in der bedeutensten Anregung erhalten wurde."^- So we
see that Goethe even in childhood had his eyes opened to the
teaching of the American scientist.
Speaking of the American Revolution, for which Goethe had
an absorbing, enthusiastic appreciation, he says : "Noch lebhafter
iiber die Welt interessirt, als ein ganzes Volk sich zu befreien
Miene machte — man wiinschte den Amerikaners alles Gliick und
die Namen Franklin und Washington fingen an am politischen
und kriegerischen Himmel zu glanzen und funkeln."^^
In Goethe's Naturzvissenschaftliche Schriften, Band IV,
Zur Farhenlchre (Historischer Theil II), Weimar, 1894, pages
199-200, he gives a portion from Benjamin Franklin's Kleinc
Schriften, herausgegeben von G. Schatz, 1794, zweiter Theil,
Seite 234 ff.
"" Goethe's Brief e (1893), Band 13, S. 238.
^^ Goethe's Brief e (Weimar, 1901), Band 22, S. 49.
"^ Gespr'dche mit Goethe. In den letaten Jahren seines Lebens. Von
Johann Eckermann. Band I (1823-1827), S. 165. (Donnerstag Abend, den i.
Fcbruar, 1827.)
"''Goethe's Werke. Band 29, S. 68.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 113
Benjamin Franklin.
[Kleine Schriften, herausgegeben von G. Schatz, 1794,
zweiter Theil, Seite 324 f.]
"Der Eindruck, den ein lenchtender Gegenstand auf die
Sehnerven macht, dauert zwanzig bis dreissig Sekunden. Sieht
man an einem heitern Tage, wenn man im Zimmer sitzt, eine
Zeit lang in die Mitte eines Fensters, und schliesst sodann die
Atigen, so bleibt die Gestalt des Fensters eine Zeit lang im Auge,
und zwar so deutlich, dass man im Stande ist, die einzelnen Fa-
cher zn zahlen. Merkwiirdig ist bei dieser Erfahrung der Um-
stand, dass der Eindruck der Form sich besser erhalt, als der
Eindruck der Farbe. Denn sobald man die Augen schliesst,
scheinen die Glasfacher, wenn man das Bild des Fensters an-
fangt wahrzunehmen, dunjcel, die Ouerholzer der Kreuze aber,
die Rahmen und die Wand umher weiss oder glanzend. Ver-
mehrt man jedoch die Dunkelheit der Augen dadurch, dass man
die Hande iiber sie halt, so erfolgt sogleich das Gegentheil. Die
Facher erscheinen leuchtend und die Ouerholzer dunkel. Zieht
man die Hand weg, so erfolgt eine neue Veranderung, die alles
wieder in den ersten Stand setzt. Ein Phanomen, das ich so we-
nig zu erklaren weiss, all folgendes. Hat man lange durch eine
gemeine griine, oder sogenannte Conservationsbrille gesehn, und
nimmt sie nun ab, so sieht das weisse Papier eines Buches rotlich
aus, so wie es griinlich aussieht, wenn man lange durch rothe
Brillen gesehen hat. Dies scheint eine noch nicht erklarte Ver-
wandschaft der griinen und rothen Farbe anzuzeigen,"
KoERNER, Schiller and Franklin.
Schiller must have known the life of Franklin because his
friends possessed clear insight into the value of this North Amer^
ican representative of all that the new world could offer a child
of freedom and the embodiment of all that that word conveys to
the minds of men, chafing under restraint.
Korner writes to Schiller from Dresden, 28th of May,
1790, as follows: "Mir ist dabei iiberhaupt eingef alien, ob Du
nicht ganz neue Memoires mit in Deinen Plan aufnehmen soil-
114 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
test, so dass sie neben den altern zugleich erschienen, z. B., die
Memoires von Richelieu, Choiseul. Bei diesen Beiden sind Dir
nun wohl Andere zuvorkommen. Aber jetzt kommen gewiss in
Frankreich und England mehrere heraus, die sehr brauchbar
waren. Du bist der Mann nicht so etwas zu erlauern, aber Ber-
tuch, der wohl eigentlich Dein Verleger ist (da Manke nur den
Namen hergiebt) ware zu seinen eigenen Journalen und Zeitun-
gen aufzupassen. So weiss ich z. B. nicht, ob Franklins Lehcn
von ihm selbst beschrieben schon einen Ubersetzer hat."^^
Lenz and Franklin.
Lenz writes to Zimmermann the 27th of May, 1776, the
following: "Hier ist Lindaus Schwanengesang, den er sehr gern
an Washington oder D. Franklin mo.chte gelangen lassen. Wie
ist mir selber unbegreiflich. Vielleicht wissen Sie Auswege.
Den Colonisten kann ein solch Produkt nicht anders als lieb sein.
Und Sie, mein Freund, sind Freund der Freiheit, nur dass er
(Der Schwanengesang) nicht in unrechte Hande fallt."^^
Franklin and Justus Moser.
"Ich kann nicht schliessen, ohne meinen freudigen und stol-
zen Vaterlandsliebe den Ausbruch zu gonnen, hier zu sagen und
zugleich mehrere zu erinnern, dass in Deutschland ein Mann
lebt, der an Staatskenntnis, an Forschung des Geistes der Ge-
setze, an Wahrheitsliebe, an Originalitat, an feinem Sinn fiir
schone Kiinste, an Gelehrsamkeit, an Eifer zur Verbreitung heil-
samer gemeinniitzer Wahrheiten, an Witz und Laune, an man-
nigfachem Stil, an Kenntnis der Welt, und Menschenliebe, an
reinem Gefiihl fiir Natur und endlich selbst an Bekanntmach-
ungsart seiner Aufsatze, Franklin ausserordentlich gleicht: Jus-
tus Moser."^^
^Schiller's Briefwechscl mit Korner, von 1784 bis cum Tode Schillers.
Karl Goedeke. i. Theil, S. 372.
^Goethe Jahrbuch, Band 32 (1911), S. 24. Ungedrucktcs axis dcm Gocthe-
Kreise. Mitgeteilt von Hermann Brauming — Oktavio.
^ Berlinische Monatsschrift (Berlin, 1783), Julius, S. 38. J. E. Biester.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 115
For a true appreciation of Moser, let us turn to an Inaugural
Dissertation, von Ludwig Posadzy, Posen, 1906, entitled Der
cntwicklungsgcschichtliche Gedanke bei Herder, pages 22-23 •
"Moser's Osnabriickische Geschichte bedeutet eine Epoche fiir
den entwicklungsgeschichtlichen Gedanken. Die Stetigkeit der
agrarischen Verhaltnisse, denen sich seine ganze Vorliebe zu-
wendet, brachte ihm ohne alle Vermittelung die Idee bei, dass es
sich hier um eine einheitliche entwicklungsreihe handle, deren
organisches Wachstum nun vor allem zu verfolgen sei.
"Es ist auch interessant zu beobachten, wie in Moser mit
dem Aufkommen des wahren geschichtlichen Sinnes die Aufkla-
rung wird. Jede Zeit tragt fiir Moser den eignen Massstab in
sich."
Again he says: "Winckelmanns Geschichte der Kunst ist
nicht weniger bahnbrechend fiir den Entwicklungsgedanken, wie
Moser's osnabriickische Geschichte."
In the Patriotische Phantasien, von Justus Moser, herausg.
von seiner Tochter J. W. J. v. Voigts, Berlin, 1842 — Second
Edition, 1858 (Verlag der Nicolai'schen Buchhandlung), in the
Einleitung von B. R. Abeken, we read:
"Mit welcher Lebhaftigkeit der jugendliche Goethe diesen
altern Geistesverwandten, mit Ehrfurcht zu ihm emporblickend,
begriisste, das erzahlt er uns in seiner Selbstbiographie ; dabei
character isirt er uns die Patriotischen Plmntasien in einer Weise,
die demjenigen, der nach ihm iiber denselben Gegenstand reden
mochte, Bedenken erwecken muss. Er bemerkt, wie die grosse
Zahl der staatsbiirgerlichen, geschichtlichen, moralischen Auf-
satze ein wahrhaftes Ganzes ausmachen, welche Universalitat
sich in ihnen offenbart, wie des Verfassers Vorschlag und Rath,
obgleich auch oft nicht ausfiihrbar, noch nie aus der Luft ge-
griffen worden, und vergleicht am Ende Mosern in Hinsicht auf
Wahl gemeinniitziger Gegenstande, tiefe Einsicht, freie tJber-
sicht, gliickliche Behandlung, griindlichen und frohen Humor
mit Benjamin Franklin.
"Diese Vergleichung hatte schon Nicolai in seiner Biogra-
phic Mosers gemacht, dabei aber auch Sturz in dieselbe hineinge-
zogen."
1 16 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Dr. Karl Biedermann, in his book entitled Deutschland im
achtzcJuitcn Jahrhiindert, Leipzig, 1880, zweiter Theil, Seite 663,
discusses Franklin's invention of the lightning-rod and com-
pares Moser as "Der Erste, der hier eine neue und bessere Bahn
einschlug, war der grosse Kenner und warnie Frcund deutschen
Volkslebens, Justus Moser." (S. 706.)
Nicholai, in Moser's Sdmnitliche Wake, Berlin, 1842-1843,
compares in the strongest terms Moser and the American Frank-
lin. In the lives of the two men there is little in common, except
that they both worked and labored for the betterment of man-
kind. Moser showed his tolerance in public opinions and in his
narrow Osnabriick worked as assiduously as Franklin did in the
wider court circles.
In the Sammlung von Vortragen fiir das deutsche Volk,
Band 14, von Wilhelm Frommel und Dr. Friedrich Pfafif, Hei-
delberg, 1885, No. 10: "J^istus Moser, der deutsche Patriot als
Apologet des Christenthums", von Franz Blanckmeister, page
402, here we read "Selbst der grosste aller damaligen deut-
schen Schriftsteller, Goethe, der fiir wahrhafte Geistesgrosse
einen offenen, scharfen und richtigen Blick hatte, hat ihm in
'Wahrheit und Dichtung' seine warme und begeisterte Huldi-
gung dargebracht. Er sagt von Mosers patriotischen Phanta-
sien; seine Vorschlage, sein Rat, nichts ist aus der Luft gegriffen
und doch so nicht ausfiihrbar ; deswegen er auch die Sammlun-
gen patriotischen Phantasien genannt, obgleich alles dann sich
an das Wirkliche und Mogliche halt. Man wiisste alles, was in
der biigerlichen Welt vorgeht, rubrizieren, wenn man die Ge-
genstande erschopfen wollte, die er behandelt, und diese Be-
handlung ist bewunderungswiirdig. ... In Absicht auf
Wahl gemeinniitzige Gegenstande, auf tiefe Einsicht, freie Uber-
sicht, gliickliche Behandlung, so griindlichen und frohen Humor
wusste ich ihm mit niemand als Franklin zu vergleichen."
Friedrich Nicolai in his Leben Justus Mosers, Berlin und
Stettin, 1797, page 92, says: "Moser als Schriftsteller ist schon
sehr richtig mit Franklin verglichen worden." (Berlinische Mo-
natsschrift, Jul. 1783, Seite 37-38.)
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 117
Herder and Franklin.
Herder visited Paris in 1769. and no doubt came into close
toncli with those who sang FrankUn's praises, for France was
at this time cognizant of this North American, since FrankHn
visited Paris, as we have seen, for the second time, in 1769.
Herder in his Briefe cnr Beforderung der Hnmanitdt, Riga,
1793 (Band 17 — Bernhard Suphan, BerHn. 1887), says, page 7:
"EndHch ist mir die Lebensbeschreibung eines meiner LiebHnge
in unserem Jahrhimdert, B. Franklin's, von ihm selbst fiir einen
Freund geschrieben, zu Handen gekommen; aber bedauern Sie's,
nur in der franzosischen tjbersetzung und nur ein kleines Stiick
derselben, die friiheren Lebensjahre des Mannes, ehe er volHg in
seine pohtische Laufbahn trat. . . . Sie wissen, was ich von
Franklin immer gehahen, wie hoch ich seinen gesimden Ver-
stand, seinen hellen und schonen Geist, seine sokratische Me-
thode vorziigHch aber den Sinn der Humanitat in ihm geschatzt
habe, der seine kleinsten Aufsiitze bezeichnet. Auf wie wenige
und klare Begriffe w^iss er die verwogensten Materien zuriick-
zufiihren ! Und wie sehr halt er sich allenthalben an die einfa-
chen, ewigen Gesetze der Natur, an die unfehlbarsten praktischen
Regeln, aus Bediirfniss und Interesse der Menschheit. Oft
denkt man, wenn man ihn liest : 'Wusste ich das nicht auch ? aber
so klar sah ich's nicht, und meist gefehlt, dass es bei mir schlichte
Maxime des Lebens wurden.' Zu dem sind seine Einkleidungen
so leicht und naturlich, sein Witz und Scherz so gefallig und
fein, sein Gemiith so unbefangen und frohlich. dass ich ihn den
edelsten V^olksschriftsteller unseres Jahrhunderts nennen moch-
te, wenn ich ihn durch diesen missbrauchten Namen nicht zu
entehren glaubte. Unter uns wird er dadurch nicht entehrt!
Wollte Gott wir batten in ganz Europa ein Volk, das ihn lase,
das seine Grundsatze anerkennte, zu seinem eignen Besten da-
nach handelte und lebte; wo waren wir sodann!
''Franklin's Grundsatze gehen allenthalben darauf, gesunde
Vernunft, tJberlegung, Rechnung, allgemeine Billigkeit und
wechselseitige Ordnung ins kleinste und grosseste Geschaft der
Menschen einzufiihren, den Geist der Unduldsamkeit, Harte,
Tragheit von ihnen zu verbannen, sie aufmerksam auf ihren Be-
ii8 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
ruf, sie in einer Milde fortgehenden, unangestrengten Art ge-
schaftigt, fieissig, vorsichtig, imd thatig zu machen, indem er
zeigt, dass jede dieser tjbungeii sich selbst belohnet, jede Ver-
nachlassigung derselbeii im Grossen und Kleinen sich selbst
strafe. Er nimmt sich der Armen an, nicht anders aber als
dass er ihnen Wege des Fleisses mit iiberwiegender Vernunft
eroffnet. Mehrmals hat er es erwiesen wie hell und bestimmt
er in die Zukunft sah." . . . (S. 8.)
Thus we see that Herder held the highest esteem of Frank-
lin, not only in the humanitarian field, but in the literary world
as well. Further he says: "Horen Sie nun den guten Alten, und
Sie finden in seiner Lebensbeschreibung durchaus ein Gegenbild
zu Rousseau's Confessionen. Wie dieser die Phantasie fast
immer irre fiihrte, so verlasst jenem nie sein guter Verstand,
sein unermiidlicher Fleiss, seine Gefalligkeit, seine erfindende
Thatigkeit, ich mochte sagen, seine Vielverschlagenheit und ru-
hige Beherztheit."
Haym, in his edition of Herder, makes the following asser-
tion in regard to Herder's close knowledge of Franklin: "Als
cinen ersten Stellvertreter der Gesinnungen, die ausschliesslich
im eignen Namen vorzutragen Herder, jetzt scheu und vorsichtig
verzichtete, liisst er einen Mann auftreten, den er sich in Vielen
verwandt fiihlte, den er als Volksschriftsteller schon in dem
Aufsatz 'Uber Spruch und Bild', gepriesen hatte — den Mitbe-
griinder der Unabhiingigkeit der Vereinigten Staaten, Benjamin
Franklin. Er hatte in Aachen die ganz kiirzlich erschienen Me-
moires de la Vie de B. Franklin kennen gelernt. . . . Er cha-
rakterisirt den merkwiirdigen Mann, in dem so vorzugsweise der
Sinn der Humanitat gelebt habe, den werkthiitigen Geist, den Len-
rer derMenscheit,denOrdner einer grossen Menschengesellscha ft.
Langst schon hatte er von den kleinen und grosseren Aufsatzen
seines Lieblings gesammelt was er auftreiben konnte, Gedrucktes
und Ungedrucktes, und wiirde, ware ihm nicht der betriebsame
Bertuch zuvorgekommen eine Ubersetzung veranlasst haben." We
have already seen that he knew the French translation of Frank-
lin's works, and he had for a long time possessed "Political,
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 119
Miscellaneous and Philosophical Pieces", by Benjamin Frank-
lin, London, 1779.
For the Freitag Gesellschaft, organized July 5, 1791, Frank-
lin's Rules for a Club, 1 728, were read. These rules were origi-
nated by Franklin for the "Junto", which afterward grew into
the American Philosophical Society. Herder explained the aims
of his Club thus: "Der Zweck dieser Academie ist reine und
parteiische Wahrheit, das Band ihrer Mitglieder ist National-
Interesse, gegenseitige Achtung und Schonung." (These same
ideas we can read in Franklin's expression, "truth for truth's
sake".) These statutes of the Friday Club were known to its
members, Goethe, C. G. Voigt, Wieland, Herder, Bode, Knebel,
J. F. Bertuch, O. Buchholtz.*"^
Herder translated Franklin's questions, which were to be
applied to members of the Club, under the following title, Ben-
jamin Franklin's Rules for a Club established in Philadelphia,
ilbertragen und ausgelegt als Statut fiir eine Gesellschaft von
Freunden der Humanitdt, von Johann Gottfried Herder, 1792.
Aus dem Nachlass veroffentlicht und Eduard Simson, zum 22.
Mai, 1883, zugeeinigt. Berlin, Weidmannische Buchhandlung.
The first translation of the above made by Herder was annexed
to a lecture entitled Uber die wahre Unsterblichkeit fiir die Nach-
welt. (Suphan Herder's Werke, 16, 43; note 3.)
Herder in his Spruch und Bild in Sonderheit bei den Mor-
genldndern, einige rhapsodische Gedanken, writes: "In alien gu-
ten Volksschriften, im Landpriester, von Wakefield, z. B. und
in einer der lehrreichsten Schriften, die unsere Sprache besitzt,
Lienhard und Gertrud, ist dieser natiirliche Kunstbegriff sehr
wohl gebraucht. Benjamin Franklin, ein hochachtungswiirdiger
Name, hat ihn in seinen periodischen Lettern und Kalendern
fiir Nord Amerika vortrefflich anzuwenden gewusst und sein ein-
ziger Auf satz. Die Wissenschaft des guten Richard, enthalt einen
solchen Schatz von Lebensregeln, dass man in mancher Riick-
sicht fast auf's ganze Leben nichts mehr bediirfte."®^
^''Suphan Herder's Werke, 17, 10 ff; 18, 503 ff, 538 flf.
^Americana Germanica, Herder in Amerika. Marion D. Learned, Sep-
tember, 1904. Vol. II, No. 9, p. 565, in the following.
CHAPTEJl VIII.
Franklin in the German Novel.
I. P'ugaccw, geschichtlicher Roman, F. Isidor Prosch-
kow, Band i und 2 (in one volume), Prague, i860; (Kober und
Markgraf) Viertes Kapitel, S. 106 ff, gives a description of
Franklin as he sat with a gathering of friends in Portugal in
the spring of 1775. We feel that the old printer sat back with
keen satisfaction and listened in silence to the various political
views, that were aired by his companions. We read: "Der Fine
dieser Manner, welcher an der rechten Ecke des Tisches lehnte
und in die reine, blaue Feme hinaufstarrte, von massiger Grosse,
in der einfachen Tracht eines amerikanischen Gutsbesitzers, mit
einem offenen, geistreichen Gesicht, schien weder an dem Ge-
sprache der Anderen, noch an ihrem kleinen Zechgelage Theil
zu nehmen. Vor ihm stand ein Kristallglas mit reinem Wasser,
von welchem er zuweilen suppte, wahrend sein ausdrucksvolles
Auge von Zeit zu Zeit in die fernen Regionen des Himmels
schweifte; denn ungeachtet schien er mit seinen Gedanken dem
Gesprache der heitern Zecher zu folgen, dies verrieth das wech-
selnde Muskelspiel seines Antlitzes und das zeitweilige Nicken
seines Kopf es.
"Dieser Mann, an der aussersten Rechte am Tische und von
so geistreichem Aussehn, war seines eigentlichen Bewerbes ein
Buchdrucker und ein erfindungsreicher Kopf, denn eben hat er
lachelnd vernommen, wie eine seiner letzten Erfindungen, ein
Sparofen, von seinem Freunde, Meredith, welcher dicht an seiner
Seite recht wacker der Punschbowle zusprach, den Anderen mit
vielem Ruhme auseinander gesetzt worden war. Aber der Nach-
bar zur aussersten Linken, am Tische ganz unten, trug nicht die
ruhigen Ziige der Besonnenheit und Geistesstarke des erwahnten
Buchdruckers." (Pp. 120-121.)
The bombastic speeches of the hero himself do not concern
us here. His views are entirely revolutionary, but Franklin can-
not refrain from interposing the following remarks (p. 130):
" 'Das Zwerge mit der Donnerheule des Zeus spielten,' fiel la-
(120)
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 121
chelnd der Buchdrucker ein ; 'dass das Werk des Lichtes, das
Werk Gottes nicht mit Feuer und Schwert, nicht mit Blut und
Brand gefordert wird ! — O Menschheit und Wahnsinn,' setzte
er hinzu; 'Ihr nieint Berge zti versetzen und einen Welttheil aus
seinen Fugen zu heben und wisst nicht, ob Eure uniiberwind-
liche Armada vom Hauche des Weltgeistes verweht, im nachsten
Sturme zu Boden Sinken wird! Meint Ihr denn, Ihr hochtra-
benden Titanen, dass die Volker Europas mit all' ihren uralten
Traditionen, ihren Sitten und Gewohnheiten mit ihrer ganzen
Geschichte, ein Federball eurer Launen seien, welche Ihr mit
einem einzigen Gluthauche Eurer falschen Begeisterung in an-
dere Bahnen wehen konnt ; glaubt Ihr, dass Eurer ersten Anker-
werfen auf dem Boden Europas, dass die ersten Tone Eurer so-
genannten Wehposaune die Mauern von Jericho in Triimmern
zerschmettern werden? Wisst: wie ein Alexander der Eroberer
vverdet Ihr mitten in Eurem Siegeslaufe verschwinden, wie Attila
im eigenen Blute ersticken, wie Bajazet zuletzt im Kafig enden,
dessen Eisenstangen die falschen Grundlehren Eurer Freiheit
sein werden. Wer Sturme saet, wird Sturme ernten, und von
Euch wird man sagen was Brittanien auf seine Denkmiinze
schrieb, 'Deus afflavit et dissipati sunt'."'
S. 131: "Aber noch hatte der Buchdrucker, dessen edlen
Antlitz bei dieser Rede wie das eines gottbegeisterten Sehers der
Zukunft leuchtete, seine Worte nicht geendet, als der Italiener
gliihenden Antlitzes wieder auf sprang und auf eine Marmor-
saule zurannte, welche unweit des Tisches stand und eine schone
symbolische Statute des geharnischten Kriegesgottes und der
gefliigelten Gottin der Freiheit trug, zu deren Fiissen eben eine
Schale mit Purpurfarbe stand, welche der kunstsinnige Gartner
des weissen Hauses zur Verschonung der beiden Statuen und
die symbolisch umschlingenden Blumen-Guirlanden bereit gestellt
hatte.
"Der Italiener riss den Pinsel aus dieser Schale .
schrieb jetzt mit blutrothen Lapidarzeichen seinen Namen an die
Statute des Krieges und der fessellosen Freiheit — 'Mazzarini.'
"Aber ernst und ruhrig nahm ihm jetzt der Buchdrucker den
122 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
blutroth gefarbten Pinsel und tauchte ihn in die nebenstehende
Schale mit klarer weisser Farbe.
" 'Audi ich !' rief er, 'will meinen Namen zu den Fiissen
dieser Statute aufschreiben, und nach einem Jahrzehend soil er
auch an dieser Stelle zu lesen sein und Zeugenschaft geben, dass
sich mein Wort bewahrte: Freiheit, ohne Gesetz ist ein Unding,
auf Blut und Triimmern fusst keine stattliche Ordnung, und
Menschenplane ohne Gottes Hilfe sind Spinngewebe, welche der
Flug einer kleinen Wespe zerreissen kann.'
"Und der schlichte Buchdrucker schrieb jetzt mit schnee-
weisser Farbe und fester Hand auf die Piedestale der Statue der
Freiheit in grossen Ziigen seinen Namen : Benjamin Franklin."
II. In Berthold Auerbach's Das Landliaus am Rhein, 2.
Band, 2. Kapitel, Seite 7. Roland's father speaks thus of Frank-
lin: "Seht her! Hier ist ein echter Mensch, das Genie des ge-
sunden Verstandes und des festen Willen. Electricitat ist stets
in der Luft, aber nicht immer sammelt sie sich und wird zum
Blitz, der die Atmosphare lautert. Das Genie ist die in der Luft
des Geistes angesammelte und freigewordene Electricitat."
Seite 8: "Kein Philosoph, kein Dichter, kein Staatsmann
kein Handwerker, kein Gelehrter von Profession, und doch
alias das zugleich; ein Sohn der Mutter Natur und der Amme
Erfahrung, der ohne wissenschaftliche Fiihrung im Walde die
Heilkrauter selbst findet.
"Wenn ich einen Ji'ingling zu erziehen hatte, nicht zu einem
bestimmten Beruf, sondern nur, dass er ein wahrer Mensch und
guter Biirger wiirde, ich wiirde zu ihm sprechen; mein Sohn,
hier sieh, wie ein Mensch sich selbst bilden kann; ahme ihm
nach, werde du in dir wie Benjamin Franklin in sich geworden.
Verstehe mich wohl. Ich sage es gibt in der neuen Geschichte
keinen zweiten Menschen, an dessen Leben und Denken sich ein
Mensch unsrer Tage so heranbilden liess, wie an Benjamin
Franklin. Warum nicht Washington, der so gross und rein ist ?
"Washington war Soldat und Staatsmann, aber er hat die
Welt nicht in sich entstehen lassen und nicht aus sich gefunden.
Er hat durch Beherrschung und Lenkung anderer bewirkt,
Franklin durch Lenkung und Beherrschung seiner selbst.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 123
"Wenn die Zeit kommt, wo man von Schlachten sprechen
wird, wie wir heute von Menschenf ressen ; wenn die ehrliche,
fleissige, menschenfreundliche Arbeit die Geschichte der Mensch-
heit bildet, dann wird ein Mann wie Franklin neu erstehen. Mo-
ses, Jesus, Mohammed erschien Gott in der Einsamkeit, der
Wiisle, Spinoza erkannte ihn in der Einsamkeit der Studirstube,
Franklin in der Einsamkeit auf dem Meere und im Ringen mit
der Arbeit.
"Die Welt wiirde nicht besonders viele Schonheit haben,
wenn alle Menschen waren wie Franklin, seinem Wesen fehlt jeg-
licher romantische Ditft; aber die Welt wiirde in Rechtschaffen-
heit, Wahrhaftigkeit, Arbeit und Hilfeleistung leben. Jetzt sa-
gen sie Liebe und freuen sich ihrer schonen Gefiihle, aber ihr
diirft nur von Liebe reden, wenn ihr sie nie bethatigt habt.
"In FrajikUn ist das von Sokrates und besonders wohlthu-
end wirkt sein Humor ; er lasst uns aucli herzlich lachen. Frank-
lin ist gute Prosa, verstandig, durchsichtig, haltbar. Das ist das
Gunstige und Auszeichnende im Leben Franklins, dass er der
erste 'self-made man'. war.
"Wollten wir dem Alterthum gleich eine mythische Gestalt
bilden fiir jene Welt, die sich Amerika nennt, von Europa die
Gotter — ich meine, die geistlichen Ideen mitbrachte und desto
frei ein eigen Leben aufbaute — wollt ihr eine Menschengestalt
fiir diesen Gedanken, da steht Benjamin Franklin. Er war voll
Wissens und niemand hatte ihn gelehrt, er war voll Religion und
hatte keine Kirche, er war ein Menschenfreund und doch ein
kluger Kenner ihrer Bosheit.
"Er hat den Blitz zu leiten verstanden, nicht nur den aus
den Wolken, sondern audi den aus den Gewittersleidenschaften
des Menschengemiits ; er hat jene Klugheitsregeln gefasst, die
gegen Zerfahrenheit sichern, unsere Selbstfiihrung reif machen.
Warum ich ihn aber zum Fiihrer in der Erziehung eines Men-
schen nehmen niochte, ist das: er stellt den einfachen, gesunden
Menschenverstand dar, den festen und sichern, nicht den genial
iiberraschenden, aber den biirgerlich, politisch, wissenschaftlich
und sittlich, ruhig und stetig wohlfiihrend. Luther war der Be-
sieger des Mittelalters ; Franklin ist der erste moderne, sich
selbst aufbauende Mensch.
124 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
"Franklin hat keine neue Grundsiitze in die Welt gebracht,
aber er hat was eiii ehrHcher Mensch in sich finden kann, rein
ausgestaltet.
"Was Franklin ist und gibt, hat nichts Besonders, nichts
x\ufregendes, Vorraussehendes, Geheimnisvolles, nichts farbig
Glanzendes, Blendendes, es ist das Wasser des Lebens, dessen
alle Kreatur bedarf. Der Mensch des vergangenen achtzehnten
Jahrhunderts hatte keinen Sinn fiir das Volkstum, konnte ihn
nicht haben, das war ein Driingen und Treiben aus dem freien
Gedanken heraus, bis zur Spitze und Schlusse des Jahrhunderts,
bis zur Revolution.
^'Franklin ist der Sohn dieses Jahrhunderts, er kennt nur
die dem Menschen eingeborenen Krafte, nicht die ererbten."
Roland says, Volume 4, page 193: "Ich habe Lilian hier
getroffen. Sagen Sie nicht, dass wir noch zu jung seien; wir
sind alter durch Ereignisse. Benjamin Franklin wollte ja Miss
Read auch heirathen, als er achtzehn Jahre alt war, Wir haben
uns gelobt, erst wenn der Krieg zu Ende, einander anzugehoren."
III. Charles Sealsfield. Das Kajiitenbuch oder nationale
Charakteristikcn. Friedrich M. Pels, Leipzig, Seite 193:
" 'Sollte das meinen,' unterbrach hier den he f tig auffahren-
den Oberst Cracker ein anderer unserer zahllosen Obersten;
'sollte das meinen, denn wer erinnert sich nicht, wie so todlich
lang und langsam fiir unsere Vater und Vorvater sich damals
in den achtzigen Jahren die Friedensunterhandlungen zu Paris
hinzogen ?'
" 'Die doch von einem Franklin geleitet wurden !' machte
sich hier Oberst Cracker Luft.
" 'Der sich aber bei dieser Gelegenheit ganz und gar nicht
als Staatsmann bewies!' fiel wieder der General ein. 'Es unter-
liegt gar keinem Zweifel, dass er, ilberlistet vom schlauen Ver-
gennes, bereits auf die Basis eines zwanzigjahrigen Waffenstill-
standes zwischen uns und England, zu Unterhandeln angefan-
gen, als Jay noch zu rechter Zeit sich durch an die englischen
Minister wandte, und statt des Waffenstillstandes den Prieden,
und somit die Unabhangigkeitsanerkennung erhielt. Das war
dem Franzosen ein Donnerschlag, und er zeigte sich ausseror-
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 125
dcntlich ungebardig, denn nach seinem perfiden Planchen sollten
wir die englische Botmassigkeit nur abgeschiittelt haben, um in
die f ranzosische iiberzugehen ; aber Jay blieb f est, und Franklin,
obwohl von den Lockungen des franzosischen Hofes umsponnen,
gewahrte endlich doch seinen Fehler.' "
Seite 194: "Diese friihe, gesunde republikanisclie, — uns so
eigentijmliche Erziehung — die uns ebensowohl zum Regieren —
als Gehorchen eignet — lernen wir erst gehorig schatzen, wenn
wir unter die unerzogenen oder verzogenen Volker und Nationen
sowohl unseres Amerikas als Europas geworfen, ihre Kindheit,
Hilflosigkeit und Unerfahrenheit gleichsam mit Handen zu grei-
fen Gelegenheit erhalten."
IV. Elise Polko, in her book entitled Musikalische Mdrchen,
Plmntasien und Skiszen, Leipzig, 1877 (Band I, S. 145-163, Die
Erfindtmg der Harmonika), tells in a most delightful manner, in
her style so dear to the hearts of children, of the visits of the re-
nowned Dr. Franklin to the family Davis in London. Mary
Davis, the elder of the two charming daughters of the widow
Davis, felt the deepest veneration for the philosopher, and even
in spite of his years the fibers of her heart were aften touched
by a tinge of love that seemed to grow because of the absolute
impossibility of such a union. One afternoon. Dr. Franklin was
suddenly overcome, in their presence, by an attack of severe ill-
ness and Mary thinking that the aged man was about to die, ran
madly out into the cold wintry evening and after a long search
returned with a physician. Dr. Franklin's illness was of short
duration, but Mary by the exposure had caught a cold, that left
so disastrous an effect that her beautiful voice whose tones had
so often delighted Franklin in wonderful songs, was no more.
The story relates the circumstances in a most realistic manner,
and we are told that to alleviate the terrible affliction that had
befallen Miss Davis, he invented for her the flute-toned har-
monica.
CHAPTER IX.
Letters From Austria and Germany to Franklin.
The letters here quoted have all been taken from the original
manuscripts in the American Philosophical Society of Philadel-
phia. With few exceptions, this is the first time that they have
appeared in print. There are eighty-nine letters in the German
language directed to Franklin, in the above mentioned collection ;
many of them in the best legible form, many unfortunately prac-
tically illegible. The letters from Germans to Franklin were
usually addressed in the French language, or in English, strongly
marked with foreign properties. On many of the German let-
ters we find somewhere a note in red ink, in Franklin's own
hand, asking for a resume or translation of the letter in question.
The arrangement of the following letters is a chronological
one, and includes but a meagre proportion of manuscripts, worthy
of careful consideration. The correspondence with the Austrian
physician, Ingen Housz, would form a large chapter in itself.
In the Library of Congress, there can be found a number
of this doctor's letters addressed to Jefferson, after the return
of Franklin to America. In the book entitled Jan Ingen Housz,
sein Lehen und seine Werke als Naturforscher und Arst; unter
Mihvirkung von Professor Th. Eschcrich, Professor E, Mach,
Professor R. von Topley nnd Wcgscheider, by Professor Julius
Wiesner (Festausgabe zum I. Internationalen botanischen Kon-
gress in Wien, 1905), there is mention that the K. K. Hofbib-
liothek contains Ein im Nachlasse gcfundenes Manuscript,
zvelches die lateinische Ubersetsung zahlreicher Briefe enthdlt,
die an Franklin in Betreff dcr Elektricitdt von verschiedencn
Gclehrtcn gerichtct zvurdcn. One letter from Franklin to Ingen
Housz was sold in an auction in Munich, 1882, but the purchaser
cannot be found. A collection treating the correspondence of
Franklin with this Austrian court physician, can be found in the
Aiitographen Katalog von Gilhofcr nnd Rauchbnrg in Wien
(Auktion III, 2 Marz, 1901), here the contents of the letters are
given in brief. Among these there is a reference to a letter from
(1^6)
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 127
Franklin, dated September 19, 1786, which discusses medical
methods. Unfortunately, from Professor Wiesner's careful
search in the "Wiener Universitatsbibliothek", we are assured
that there are absolutely no letters of Franklin to be had. (From
a letter to the author, April 3, 1913.)
"Wien, 3. April 1913.
"Sehr geehrtes Fraulein !
"Ihr Schreiben mit deni Poststempel Philadelphia, 10.
Marz, habe ich erhalten und durch dasselbe lernte ich Ihre Wiin-
sche die Correspondenz Ingen Housz, Franklin bctrefTend, zu
kennen.
"Leider kann ich diese Wiinsche nicht erfiillen und zwar
aus folgenden Griinden.
"Aus der niir zuganglich gewesenen Korrespondenz des
Ingen Housz und aus anderen vertraulichen Documenten geht
mit Bestimmtheit hervor, dass Ingen Housz mit Franklin in inni-
gem Verkehr gestanden. Fine Arbeit iiber Warmeleitung ist von
beiden gemeinschaftlich ausgefiihrt worden, aber schliesslich
von Ingen Housz allein veroffentlicht. Aber trotz vieler Bemi'i-
hungen ist es mir nicht die regen Briefe ihrer zweifellos sehr rei-
chen Korrespondenz aufzutreiben. Die Wiener Universitats-
bibliothek besitzt gar keine Briefe dieser Korrespondenz, wo ich
besonders anfiihre, da Sie hofften, von dort Briefe zu bekom-
men oder Adressen zu erhalten.
"Es tut mir sehr leid, dass ich Ihnen sehr geehrtes Fraulein
nicht dienen kann,
"Hochachtungsvoll,
"Ihr ergb.
"J. WiESNER."
(a) Correspondence from Austria.
Franklin's correspondence from Austria centers around his
intercourse with the physician and scientist, Jan Ingen Housz,
and is a most interesting one, since he discussed with his friend a
varied series of subjects ranging from science to politics and
from personal matters to those of imperial courts. From Passy,
October 2, 1781, he gives Ingen Housz the following description
128 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
of Arnold's treatment as .depicted in the Philadelphia German
Almanac: "You will see by a German Almanac which I send
you, how his Effigies was treated at Philadelphia. And since you
ask for American Newspapers, I will send you some German
Ones. \Yq have there in that language published weekly at
Philadelphia and Germantown, by which you may judge that the
People with us who speak it are very numerous and now that
England can no longer monopolize our commerce the aged
Connection of that people with their Mother Country will be a
means of opening a considerable American Trade with Germany
by the North Seas and the Mediterranean. ... I last year
requested of Congress to release me from the Service, that I
might spend the Evening of Life more agreeably in philosophic
Leisure. But I was refused. "^^
Previous to the above Ingen Housz had written from Brus-
sels on May 3, 1780 — "I hope you are not so entirely involved in
the troubles and business of the world Politics, as to have
abandoned entirely the world Nature whose laws made by the
supreme wisdom and is constant and unalterable as its legislature
himself. It would indeed, be bad to me to conceive that a man a
Philosopher so often and so successfully employed in researches
of the most intricate and the most mysterious operations of
Nature, should have so far lost all feeling for those truly delight-
ful occupations of mind, as to be given over without reserve to
the pursuit of systems formed by man and build upon founda-
tions of so little solidity, as to be often overturned by men, and
accidental circumstances."^^
"To his excellency Benj. Franklin
minister plenipot. from the Congress
to the French Court.
"Dear Sir
"I hope you have received in du time my last dated April
24 together with the copy of a book in the German language.
Mr. le Begue has the original first Manuscript in hands, but does
' American Philosophical Society.
American Philosophical Society.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 129
not go on with printing of it . . . [Here is inserted a refer-
ence to his friend Wharton's honesty and two letters are intrusted
in this letter to Franklin to be handed over to this same friend.]
"The Emperor does not give all hope of seeing you here as
minister on the entering general Congress; but nobody wishes
more sincerely for such a meeting as i. Let me hear from you
weather our hopes are grounded, and weather Lord Shelburn
and Mr. Fox will declare you a free people. I hope that you are
content with your countrymen.
"Mr. Le Begue informs me he has a letter you wrote to me
but not finished. But, pray, send it to me as it is, if you should
not have time to finish it. Let me have something to tell from
you to my Imperial Master, who often asks me news about you.
letters delivered to Count Mercy will surely come to hand.
"i expect the new English ministers will soon become as
haughty as the former if succes attend the national armies, as
this caracter is that of the whole nation.
"Give my best compliments to your son, and do not entirely
forget
"your old and faithfull
"friend J. Ingen Housz.
"Vienna Austria, Juin 12th, 1782."
"To his excellency B Franklin, Minister Plenip. of the United
States at Passy.
"Dear Friend —
[After an incidental mention of the lightning experiment
demonstrated in Cremona and the request that Franklin may sub-
mit to him an explanation for the same, the next letter reads as
follows] : ". . . I do not give up hopes of a general Con-
gress being held at Vienna, as, besides the affaires to be adjusted
between Gr. Britain and the United States of America, the other
European Powers have direct or indirect relation with America,
as a New power starting up all at once, old treaty between Gr.
Brittain & Holland will be annihilated and new ones made and
many new regulations must take place between all the European
Powers, after the tremendous power of that proud insulary na-
tion will be reduced to a mere moderate condition. All those
130 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
things cannot be adjusted so soon and require some time to be
settled, which I imagine can't be conveniently done but by con-
voking a congress.
"i am very glad to see that your weighty political occupa-
tions have not yet been able to make you laid aside those pur-
suits v^rhich vv^ere formerly your favorite studies. I hope that
for the sake of Philosophy, that you will fulfill your desire to
pass the evening of life in the pursuit of nature's laws. I wish
I was at Liberty to follow you on the Spot, where you will
finish you glorious carreer, and where i myself have had the
strongest inclination to finish mine : and indeed this thought
had a great wight with me in resolving to employe a part of my
fortune in a way, by which there was a faire prospect of aug-
menting my Stock so as to make me independent of Europe:
and indeed if I could write to you, what I think upon the times
to be expected in this country, you woald certainly think it
much better for me to live in a country of freedom whose laws
are framed by those who submit to them, and where no frowns
of a monarch will ever inspire terror and apprehension to any
man. . . . [Here follows a discussion of the lightning
and the expression of the writer's appreciation of Franklin's
knowledge in such matters.] . . . they believe you have
rightly understood the meaning of the author, as I remember
having run over the performance when I was with you at Passy.
i made an extract of what you wrote about the American
Affairs in the letter accompaning the reflections on pere Bart-
lett's book — and at what you say that it is the interest of whole
Europe to prevent a federal connexion between Gr. Britain &
the American free states; join some reflections about the danger
to be apprehended for the tranquility of Europe if so proud
and viuarlsome a nation should be again united with North
America to also have its full support in time of warr and be at
an expense to keep it in time of peace. I did make use of those
reflexions you communicated to me by reasoning about this
affair. I gave the paper to the first lord of the bedchamber, who
gave it to the Emperor. He kept it. But I made no extract of
Your letter of July 4th, as you write me the contents are for
my private information. I am much obliged to you for those
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 131
informations and will be veiy glad of knowing from time to
time who your countrie affaires go on. But it is a pity that
letters remain such long while behind. . . . [Here he writes
his intention of forwarding his mail by the hands of Count
Mercy and tells Franklin of Le Begue's impression of his own
books.]
"i am very respectfully
"Dear Sir
"Your obedient humble serv.
"and affectionate friend
"J. Ingen Housz."
"to Bej. Franklin
"Passy.
"Dear Friend,
"This is only to accompany the adjoined letter to Mr. Wein-
brenner, who as you see, does not lose time to make use of your
kind proposition of giving some introductory letters to his agent,
who is Mr. Donath. This gentleman will set out in a few weeks
for Philadelphia, New York & Boston, where he will spend
two years. He will carry with him various productions of this
country. I hope you will as soon, as convenient for you, grant
the request of Mr. Weinbrenner.
"Your original letter with the medal inclosed is not yet come
to hand, neither the Philadelphia Almanac, you was so good
as to send me a year ago . . . [describes his enclosed
profile].
"Your advice about the statuary was thankfully received
and approved of. I received at last from le Bague the first sheets
of my book under the press at Paris — I did not find a single
typographical error in them.
"I hope still to see you here with your grandson before you
set out for your beloved America.
"i am with greatest estime
"Your most obedient serv.
"and affectionate friend
"J. Ingen Housz.
"Vienna juin 23, 1783."
132 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
"Dear Friend '
"Mr, Grand acquainted me with your save arrival, your
continuation in good health and with your being appointed gov-
ernor of Pennsylvania. This happy news has filled me with so
much pleasure that I cannot but wish you joye on it. . . .
"I publish from time to time some new books either in Ger-
man or in French and should wish to send you a copy of them
if I knew an opportunity to send it over without expense.
"I hope the two volumes of my German books, Vermischte
Schriften, are come to hand. They are delivered in hands of
Mr. Grand. The Emperor and other great fox ask me often
whether I have got no letters from you.
"I hope you have found your country in the enjoyment
of Freedom, which they owe to you, and that you enjoy your-
self the happiness you deserve for your services from a grate-
full Nation, and strength enough of mind and body to consoli-
date their union, without which they can't remain free nor re-
spectable.
"Yours
"J. Ingen Housz
"Vienne in Autriche March 8, 1786."
The following letter from Valltravers and from J. M. Bir-
ckenstoch serves to show the high esteem in which another mem-
ber of the court circle of Vienna held Franklin:
"Vienna in Germany June i, 1785.
"Sir!
"Our worthy mutual Friend, Dr. Ingenhousz, has imparted
to me, your long wished for Release from yr., alltho' honor-
able, yet too laborious public Station, most gloriously filled
these 50 years; not only to the salvation of yr. own native
Country from wicked abuse of yr. faith full Loyalty & Attach-
ment to yr. mother Country, from its selfish & tyrannical oppres-
sion & intended bondage but to the Benefit of all Mankind, by
establishing & maintaining a sacred Asylum to distressed In-
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 133
dustry to persecuted Merit & to rational legal Liberty all the
World over. Give me Leave, dear Sir, as an old Friend &
admirer of yours to congratulate with You, on the approaching
Returne of Yr. peaceable domestic Felicity and the well deserved
Applause of yr. forever obliged constituents & their remotest
Posterity.
"The friendly Invitation you have given to Dr. Ingenhousz,
to come over to Philadelphia, and to join you and yr. Labors
& those of yr. Academy, to promote use full Knowledge, Arts
and Sciences, has been a very tempting one. Had it pleased
Heaven to prolong the Life of the late Empress-Queen, he might
have obtained her Leave, to absent himself for some years
and still to hold the Pension of L500 per annum bestowed upon
him. , . .
"I have translated yr. Instructions to those who think of
settling in N. America into the German Language & apply 'd
for Leave to print it But the Censure would not permit its
Publication. There being an excellent Printing Office at Phila-
delphia in the german Language, directed by Mr. Heiner, I sh.
most willingly furnish him, not only with this, but also many
other interesting translations for the Benefit, both of the Ameri-
can States & for the Inhabitants of Europe, which might obtain
a ready sale at Hamburg, for all Germany and Switzerland.
Such as Mr. Adams Letters of an American Farmer; and what
Performances of yours and of yr. Academicians, might be in-
trusted to my Translation into german, french, and italian — I
would also translate some excellent french Publications into
English, for the Use of the Americans; such as Mr. Polieu
Treatise du Gouvernement des Moeurs; or what other works you
would be pleased to point out to me. Thus would the Remainder
of my Days not be lost, as was my whole Life, in profitable,
useful Action and Instruction. Happy, if guided by yr. Knowl-
edge and Experiences, and actuated by my Love of mankind,
I can be made instrumental, in any Degree in promoting and
diffusing of Truth, Vertue and Happiness!
"With this my fixed Resolution founded on such Principles,
134 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
I humbly beg leave to crave the Continuance of yr. Kindness
& Friendship to
"Sir!
"Yr. Excellcy's
"Most sincerely devoted hble. Serv.
"Rodh. Valltravers."
"Monsieur,
"L'accueil flatteur, dont Mr. Ingenhousz, les gens de lettres
en general et, j'ose le dire, le Corps diplomatique d'ici ont
honore (-Monsieur) — cy- jointe m'enhardit, Monsieur, d'en pre-
senter a Votre Excellence quelques exemplaires en Vous sup-
pliant de les agreer comme un hommage de ma part, et de vouloir
bien en distribuer aux heros et hommes d'etat chez vous, qui
prendront quelqu' interet au sujet a une production dans ce genre
parceque je sais que vous I'avez aime. Ne Soyez pas surpris
Monsieur de vous paroitre au milieu de Vienne un monument
du Roi Frederic. . . .
" . . . j'ai essaye de concentrer dans co tableau sa vie
sa caractere, ses actions memorables, I'histoire et I'esprit de son
reigne la marche et la profondeur de sa politique de peindre ce
Prince unique d'apres la verite sans adulation, sans la defier.
. . . Votre Excellence sera a tous egards le juge le plus com-
petent, le plus impartial du merite de I'ouvrage. . . .
"Je prie Dieu, qu'il Vous conserve a la gloire de Votre
patrie, a la consolation de toutes les gens de bien, une longue
suite d'annees, et qu'il Vous comble des benedictions reserves
aux plus dignes mortels. Agreez ces Voeux Mansieur aussi
vraies et sinceres, qui seront tou jours les sentiments plenis de
respect et de veneration, avec lesquels j'ai I'honneur d'etre
"De Votre Excellence
"Le tres humble et tres obeissant
"Serviteur
"J. M. Birckenstock
"Consoiller antique actuel de sa Majeste le Empereur
"a Vienne
"a Vienne
"en Autriche
"ce 29 Decembre 1786."
Benjamin Franklin and Germany
135
(b) Correspondence from Germany
The following list has been made from actual letters to
Franklin. Their contents varies. In some we find mere inquiries
as to the whereabouts of relatives or friends. In others expres-
sions of praise or veneration for Dr. Franklin's achievements
or petitions to him for his intercession and interest in a personal
or commercial enterprise :
I. Anspach
21. Felsberg
2. Augsburg
22. Frankfurt a/M.
4. Berlin
2^. Giessen
3. Bahlingen (Wurtemburg)
24. Gotha
5. Bonn
25. Hamburg
6. Bremen
26. Hannover
7. Butzow
27. Heidelberg
( Mecklinburg-Schwerin )
28. Hildeheim
8. Cassell
29. Homburg
9. Carlsruhe
30. Jena
10. Colmar
31. Kiel
II. Cologne
^2. Landeshutt (Silesia)
12. Ciistrin
S3. Leipzig
13. Dessau
34. Ludwigsburg
14. Dresden
35. Mainz
15. Durlach (Schwaben)
36. Mannheim
16. Dusseldorf
37. Metz
17. Ebingen
38. Miinchen
18. Einsenach
39. Nordhausen
19. Erfurt
40. Niirnberg
20. Erlangen
41. Strassburg
42. Stuttgart
A Letter of Thanks.
"Monsieur
"La compliance que vous avez eue a me procurer une autre
joli Perspective me fait prendre la Liberte a vous prier derechef
de m'envoyer le plutot possible encore un pareil. . . .
"Je serrai par contre toujours pret a vos ordres dans ces
quartiers ci et ne demand que I'occasion a vous prouver le sin-
136 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
cere attachment et la parfaite Consideration avec laquelle j'ai
riionneiir d'etre.
"Monsieur
"Votre tres humble et tres
"obeissant serviteur
"L. M. Leither
"Conseller de S. A. S. Electorate Palatine
"francfort
"le 16 Mars 1767-
"Mes assurance de Respect
"a Mr. John Pringle."
"Cassell March 17, 1770
"Sir;
"I sympathize so much with Your publick spirit and your
Genius You have happily devoted to your countries service and
improvement of natural Philosophy, that the keeping me in Your
good remembrance is the least liberty I can indulge me with. I
cannot therefore neglect to trouble You with these lines and to
recommend You, Mr. Lichtenberg, Professor of Mathematics and
natural Philosophy in the University of Giessen. He is very
desirous to be nearer acquainted with a Man he values so high
in so many respects; and besides he himself will plead the liberty
I take and easily gain a part in the friendship you have bestowed
on me.
"The compliments for me, which last Summer You ordered
to Mr. Merk, who had the honour to see You in Switzerland,
have been delivered to me. They were very welcome to me, as
shall be too the dearer proof of Your continuing my worthy
friend the new Edition of Your electrical letters, which I hope
will now be finished.
"I recommend me to Your and to Mr. Pringle's further
favour and have the honour to be with the highest and warmest
regard
"Dear Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant
"R. E. Raspe"
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 137
Rudolf Erich Raspe, the German antiquarian and miner-
alogist and author of Baron Milnchhaiiscns Erdililiingen seiner
zvimdcrharen Reise nnd Kreigsahenteuer in Ritssland from which
he had drawn on Swift. We see thus that literary men in Ger-
many had personal acquaintance with Franklin and Sir John
Pringle.
"Miinchen, April 10, 1773.
"Sir:
"The fame of your knowledge and of your Humanity is
spread abroad in all the nations of Europe so that i take the
Liberty to write you and to inquire you about the possibility of
the Merchandising which a company of Bavarie will undertake
in the American Republic. We do hope for much supporting
to the accomplishing of this our design in the Maritime Towns
of Germany, Holland, France and Spain. But we have not
accounts enough from the American coast; you shall oblige in-
finitely our Company, if you did order, that any man give us
Notice of the Merchandises, which we could put off upon the
American coast, likewise of the American products, which we
could sell in Europe. But your command can procure us that
information. We are reminded to send a factor to Philadelphia
in this yet. We desire your counsel and your orders and tell
you with all the Liberty republican, that we are your worship-
ers, i am with very much esteem
"Sir
"your very humble servant
"jos. Utschneider bailiff
"to Anger in Bavarie
"You will pardon my dry
"stile to a learning."
'Bonn, sur le Rin le 18 Jan. 1778
"Wollgebohrner Herr
"Hochzuverehrender Herr.
"Schon vom Amfang des jezigen Americanischen Krieges
hatte ich das grosseste Verlangen dem Hochpreisslichen General
Congress brave zu dienen; aber unzulangliche Mittel zur Reise
138 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
hinderten diesen Vorsatz ; Nim wo ich scit einiger Zeit alles dazn
ersparrt habe, um entweder iiber Paris oder Rotterdam abzuge-
hen, da finde ich in denen hiesigen Zeitungen das gehorsamst
beigelegte unterstrichen Avertisement, zu immer grosser Ver-
wunderung. Ich glaube zwar dass es von einem miissigen Kopf
frei inserirt worden; jedoch und um meine Reise nach America
mit Gewisheit und niitzHch unternehmen zu konnen. So will ich
mich mit Eur. Wohlgeborn. hochgeneigter Erlaubniss hier durch
um den Grund oder Ungrund dieses Advertisements ganz treu
gehorsamst erkundingen und wiinsche dass es ganz falsch seye^ —
und Gott der Allemachtige denen Waffen des hochpreiss. Con-
gresses einen unaufhakHchen Sieg in Gnaden geben moge. . . .
"Eur. Wohlgeb.
"treu gehorsamer Diener,
"August Wilhehn Weyl."
Enclosed we find a copy of the "Gnadigst privilegirtes
Bonnisches Intelligenz-Blatt, Dienstag, den I3ten Januar
1778." Under the "Politische Nachrichten" we read "Auszug
eines Schreibens von einem Offizier zu Philadelphia, vom 27sten
Oktober," the following:
"Vor einiger Zeit ist grosse Anzahl Offiziers, welche mit
Rekommendations — Briefe von den Herrn Franklin und Deane
versehen waren, von hier nach Amerika abgereiset, und theils
zu Boston, theils zu Charles-Town angekommen. Von da haben
sie an den Herrn Washington und den Kongress geschrieben,
um bei der amerikanischen Armee placirt zu werden; sie
haben aber zur Antwort erhalten dass keine Platze vakant
waren. . . .
"Man spricht wiederum stark vom Kriege, und einige halten
solchen fiir unvermeidlich. . . .
"Der Herr Franklin hat dieser Tage eine lange Konferenz
mit dem Ministerium gehabt, und ist von demselben mit vieler
Achtung begegnet worden."
This letter is accompanied by an English translation of the
newspaper clipping and a short resume of Weyl's German letter.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany
139
This shows that Franklin's knowledge of the German language
is most limited.
The gist of this is as follows :
A. W. Weyl, the author of it, says that he had always
entertained a great deal of good will for the Congress and has
a mind to prove instrumental to them in the present war, but
he has read in the newspaper of Bonn (whose there is an ex-
emplary enclosed) that a great deal of officers being gone to
America with recommendation from D. Franklin and M. Deane
has been refused by Congress.
He asks whether this news be true or false.
Jacob Hemmer, in a Latin letter written from Mannheim,
October 8, 1778, sends a very comprehensive list of books for
America. Among these are the following (whether Franklin
had knowledge of the authors is doubtful, but he must have
heard indirectly of such as Lessing, Wieland, Gottsched and
Klopstock) :
Gottsched grammatica germanica Testamen artes
poetica germ.
Reichard doctrina de praepositionibus germ.
Hemmer grammatica germ.
Fulda Derivates vocabulorum germ. 2 vol.
Gellert Opera omnia prosica et poet.
Rabner Satyra. 6 vol.
Gesner Opera poeta et prosa.
Lessing Opera variu
comedia
tragedia
dramaturgic
bibliotheca theatralis
Wieland Opera poetica
Opera prosaica
Armadis
Sternheim
Diogenes
Speculum aureum
140 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Don Sylvio
Agathon
Uz Opera poetica
Hagedorn Opera poetica
Klopstock ' Messias
Oda
Opera poetica et prosaica
Zacharia Poemata universa
List without works Jacobi, Miiller, Haller, Kaniz, Kleist,
Nicholai, Ramler.
"Heidelberg, Oct. 10, 1778.
"Hond. Sir
"According to your request I have taken the Hberty in
writing to you having enclosed five letters directed to the care
of Mr. Parr a particular friend of mine in Philadelphia, as my
business obliges me to tarry longer here than I first expected —
& anxious that my friends should hear from me, I have taken
this liberty of enclosing them to your care & if opportunity
offers, I should be under many obligations you will take the
trouble of transmitting them to America. I was sorry I had
not the happiness of seeing you before my departure from Paris.
I waited on you to take my leave but you had gone to Ver-
sailles. In regard of my objection coming to this country —
which I informed you I am so far happy in hearing it is at
interest and under the care of a wealthy Uncle. ... I am
likewise happy to inform you that I am in this country amongst
the midst of friends of our cause from the Lord to the Peasant —
I have been examined through every garrison I passd but found
no interruption in my rout. I daily carry my uniform — acknowl-
edge my rank & support the character of an AmericanO^c^r —
in general the Germans have had a feint Idea of the Strength
of our country & for what our glorious opposition was for —
many have visited me and are anxious for going to America —
the Elector left this last week for Bavaria when he succeeds
the last dececyd Elector their appears to be a general discontent
among the people here of Protestant societies, about their
rulers — who are chiefly of the Catholic Religion which has made
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 141
great partys — & seem to bear a great antipathy to each other —
particularly in the present war between the Emperor & the
King of Prussia — the former secretly praying for Prussian suc-
cess ... as I now have given you a knowledge of my safe
arrival ... & the disposition of the people in this part of
the globe toward us.
"I shall conclude not forgetting to return you many thanks
for your friendly consul. I have the Honour to remaine with
much respect your Honour's most
"Obt. Hbl. Servant Jacob Rieger."
"Frankfort-on the Maine Oct. 21st 1778.
"The author asks Franklin for a letter directed to him from
Mr. Dumas and continues thus ; . . .
"... Mr. Dumas also writes, that a ship arrived at
Bordeaux, it is said, Rhode-Island is taken and the B. troops are
made prisoners — I pray God you very speedily receive an authen-
tic confirmation of this important news. . . .
"Private letters from Paris received by a banker in this city
also say that the court of Spain had resolved on taking an imme-
diate & open part in favor of Am — as you best know if there is
any foundatin for it.
"In the English papers of the 6 & 10 inst. which perhaps
you have not yet seen, there are ministerial paragraphs declaring
the great discontent that prevail in France on account of the late
captures, against Monsieur Saree and yourself, who they say —
are looked upon as the chief causes of the war — and they give out
that you were obliged to refuge at Ver ... to avoid the
resentment of the mob. Your popularity in France to suffer such
fabrications to meet with the least credit or cause uneasiness to
any of your friends.
"I have the honor to be with the highest respect and esteem
"Sir
"Your most obligd
"and
"most obedient
"Servant
"Sam. W. Stockton"
142 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
The father of our famed Baron von Steuben petitioned
FrankHn in several letters to give him information concerning
the welfare of his son. These letters with one exception are in
German and in passages very difficult to read. The dates of four
not given here are ( i ) February 11, 1 780 ; ( 2 ) December i ,
1781; (3) January i, 1783; (4) March 29, 1783.
This letter is written in German as well as French.
"Monsieur I'ambassadeur,
"Ayant vu dans la Gazette frangaise que mon fils etait verit-
ablement en service ameriquain, en qualite de General Inspecteur
je prends de vous la liberte d'impartuner. Votre Excellence en la
priant tres humblement d'avoir la bonte de I'ay faire remettre la
Lettre incluse. Les qualites eminentes de votre amiable caractere
sont trop connues pour que je I'aye pas tout lieu dis pour que vou.s
voudres bien avoir la bonte de ne pas me refuser cette grace.
"Je suis et demeurai jusqu'au tombeau avec la reconaissance
la plus grande de la consideration la plus distinguee.
"De Votre Excellence.
"Le tres humbler et tres obeirs. serv.
"Signe W. A. von Steuben
"Major & Chevalier de I'ordre pour le
"merite.
"Custrin le 6 Nov. 1779."
"Hochwohlgeborener Herr,
"Hochstzuehrender Herr Ambassadeur
"Eur Excellenz miissen die Freyheit Eur (fiir) aber man-
ches Schreiben an meinen Sohn den General Leutnant zu iibersen-
den mit gantz gehorsamstem Bitte die Giinstigkeit zu haben und
es mit sehr gutem Begriffe mit Worten zu befordern die ich mit
vollem Respect beharre.
"Eur. Excellenz,
"Gehorsamster Diener,
"W. A. von Steuben.
"Custrin
"d. 18. October
"1780."
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 143
A letter from von Steuben Ciistrin, April 10, 1780, expresses
his joy that his son has written to him, and requests the forward-
ing of the enclosed letter This shows that Franklin, no doubt,
urged Lieutenant von Steuben to write to his aged father.
"Reverend Father
"As a child of Science & a person who owes to you a pro-
tection & numberless attentions during my stay at Paris which
will do me profit and honor all my life, I feel toward you more
than duty and veneration which would be due to a natural parent
for such obligations.
"The coolness with which science is courted at Leipsig & a
general disposition to a contentment in such discoveries as the
sons of Science in France or great Britain may throw into the
world, tends to continue old usages and theories, such parts of
the School of Leipsic, as I have at present acquaintance with
appear much inferior to that of Paris & no way superior to that
young seminary which owes its birth to you & which has already
reflected infinite honor to its Patrons reputation & utility to that
Country which can only boast of producing Doct. Franklin.
"There is a school at Leipsic where the unhappy mutes of
both sexes & all ages are taught to write, speak & read similar to
those of Paris and Edinburgh, I was shown there by a friend —
when a young pupil of fifteen enquired what countrymen I was,
perceiving me to be a stranger — The Master told I was from
North America & asked him if he knew what country that was,
the pupil answered yes, it was Doct. Franklin's country & that it
lay there, pointing to the West.
"For the character, station & person of him by whose name
the dumb are even capable of distinguishing a vast powerfull
Western country — permit me to submit to the honor of his ac-
ceptance the profoundest sentiments of gratitude, duty & most
humble regard — & allow me to wish that gracious heaven may,
bv his life & health continue to his country a fond & affectionate
Father, and honorable Patron to Science an ornament & use full
144 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
citizen to the Universe & Parent to whom no one among the
children of America can owe greater obhgation than
"Yours most sincere friend
"& truly humble sert.
"John Foulke
"Passy.
"Leipsic, Oct. 12th, 1781.
"His Excellency Doct. Franklin."
"Sir,
"Permit me to introduce to Your acquaintance the Bearer
Mr. Loder, first physician to the Duke of Saxe Weimar a Man
remarkable for his natural & acquired talents & one of the first
Anatomists of our Germany. The happy moments which my
Son has passed in Yr. company & the civilities You honoured him
with as well as the condescendence & kindness You are used to
treat with, all Men of talents & Science let me hope a favorable
reception of my Friend Loder & will serve as an Apology for the
Liberty I presume to take on this occasion.
"Give me leave at the same time to congratulate You, on
the happy prospect of seeing your Country at last acknowledged
as independent by all Europe & Great Britain itself. The Satis-
faction of seeing this great work so near a Conclusion at a gen-
eral Pacification, must naturally contribute to Yr. happiness, who
have had so great a Share in the Delivering Your Country from
the oppressions of a Set of despotick Men, then at the head of ye
British Administration. May providence shower down on You
the choicest of her Blessings, is the sincere wish, together with
the most respectuous regard of
"Sir
"Your
"most obedt. humble Servant
"Forster (Joh. Reinhold)
"Halle in the Dutchy of Magdeburg
"April ye 27th 1782.
"His Excellency Benj. Franklin Esq."
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 145
"Dear Friend
"I send you Dr. Forster's Observations made during a
voyage around the zvorld & I have marked the page wherein he
explains the formation of those places I spoke to you of and that
are hardly higher than high water mark. . . . [The writer
here discusses the theory of electricity on wood.]
"But your superior Genius my dear friend well may be able
to conquer these objections & dispell the cloud which duly seems
to spread upon your explanation,
"Thursday morning."
The above letter, although unsigned, is in Johann Reinhold
Forster's handwriting.
Jean Guillaume Backhaus addressed Franklin in a letter
from Hanover, 7th of February, 1783, written in French. In
this he speaks of establishing a standing army in America and
makes the proposition that the regular soldiers in Europe, now
benefited by the peace established there, might make arrangements
to help establish this army in the United States. Franklin, on the
top of this letter has made a note in red ink, which reads as
follows :
"That It is probable that the United States will not keep up
a Standing Army, having everywhere a well disciplined Militia.
That many of the Germans have already deserted the English
colonies, and settled in the Country, and it is probable most of
them will do the same rather than return to Europe. That I am
not authorized to set on foot any such Negotiations, am however
obliged to him for his good Will to our Service, & request he
would accept my Thanks" . . .
"Monsieur
"Le Ministre de Saxe m'a remis une lettre pour Vous.
J'aurai a conferer avec Vous, Monsieur, sur le differents objects
de Commerce entre les fitats unis de I'Amerique et la Saxe.
146 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Indiques moi, je Vous prie, Monsieur, le jour et I'heure auquel je
pourai avoir Thonneur de Vous voir.
"Je suis avec tout Respet
"Monsieur
"Votre tres humble et tres obeissant serviteur
"Ehrenhold Frederic Biederman
"Conseiller de Cour de Dresde.
"a Paris
"cellme Mars
"1783.
"Rue Plattrieze
"Hotel."
"May it please Your Excellence —
"Sir,
"You remember perhaps that in the year 1773 in the time
You lodged in the Strand not many miles from Mr. Weddeburne
a poor German Scholar recommended to you by the late Mr.
Achenwall at Gottingen, willing to go to Philadelphia with an
intention of Selling books payed to You his respects and that
afterwards in the time of his miserys was relieved very gener-
ously by your humanity.
"It is therefore with the full acknowledgment of Your good
will You have shewn me at a time I wanted it most, that a Son
of freedom congratulates You most sincerely to the late con-
clusion of a peace honorable both to You and Your Countrie,
adding that not yet being married, notwithstanding i since one
Year and a half have got a small livelihood at this place I still am
of the same opinion, provided I can go there with Your recom-
mendation, or can be certain of finding a lasting emploimenV
connected with the proper Salary in the University of Phila-
delphia in the quality of Professor or Lector of the German and
Dutch languages. Likewise might I in the quality of M. of A.
give instructions and read lessons in the historical and political
Sciences as I have done here already, and in this case I humbly
expect to be favored with a Speedy answer, for the month of
May advances, and I cannot go very well before the following
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 147
1784th year. But even if You should not be pleased to give me
Such an emploiment, I recommending myself, to your Benev-
olence, wish You well, and shall be always with the greatest
respect
"Your Excellencies
"most humble Servant
"Joachim Heinrich Ludewig
"Lector. Publicus of this University,
"at Butzow in the
"Duchy of Meklenburg
"Schwerin the 23 of
"March 1783."
The following is but one example of the numerous appeals
made to Dr. Franklin from commission merchants, manufac-
turers and the like:
"I hope your Excellency will allow us to represent to you,
that during the war-time, we, in an indirect manner loaded sev-
eral Ships, and which probably reached there several ports now
the Peace is wholly concluded, we do not doubt but there will be
Military Magazines or Arsenals settled in the different Provinces
of America, which may require at the same time a provision of
proper new arms, and as the iron of our country is of an excel-
lent quality, and very fit for casting of arms, as likewise our
Manufactury of this kind is one of the best, and most renowned
in the World ; this enables us to make your Excellency the follow-
ing proposals:
"In case that the United States of America should deter-
mine sooner or later to provide themselvez with proper new
arms either for their Arsenals or their Troops; we do humbly
offer our service to fit you with such from, it were requested that
Excellency wou'd be pleased to send us the name, the Character
and habitation of the party we shou'd have to deal with concern-
ing the exportation of what may be ordered besides we will point
out middling port to facilitate this Intercourse in order to this we
would propose to your Excellency John Frederich Droop of
Hamborough there might be also sent from America thither a,
148 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
Model of arms moulded In the manner the United States shou'd
desire to have 'em. . . . However we warrant the goodness
and solidity of the arms we may hereafter provide you with we
beg your Excellency will honour with your Protection our
Manufactury of Arms, we likewise recommend ourselves to your
favour, and will incessantly offer up to heaven our prayers and
good wishes for the continuance of your previous health, and
remain with the most profound submission and most inviolate
respect
"Your Excellency's
"Most Humble and
"Most Obedient Servants
"William Spangenberg and
"John Spangenberg.
"14th March 1783."
A letter from the undersigned, offering to pay for certain
books sent to Spener, reads thus:
"Monsieur
"A la priere, que mon ami a Berlin auquel je suis attache
prend la liberte de vous adresser, je n'ajoute que, s'l y a des
frais, consertire le Sr. Durand Neveu Libraire rue Gallands a
Paris pour y satisfaire & au meme temps pour recevior &
m'expedier tout a qu'il plaisait a Votre Excellence d'envoyer a
M. Spener.
"Monsieur
"De Votre Excellence
"Le tres humble &
"tres obeissant Serviteur
"Treuttel
"Librarie
"Ci devant Bauer & Treuttel
"Strassburg le I Juin
• "1783."
Spener was the author of the "Historisch-genealogischer
Calendar". Berlin, 1784.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 149
In 1782 we have another Steuben letter.
''Hochwohlgebohrner Herr,
"Hochstzuehrender Herr Minister.
"Eur. Excellenz Gratuheren gantz gehorsamst zu den herr-
hchen Aussichten vor den Amerikanischen vereinigten Provin-
zien so durch deine riihrnHche und weise Bemiihungen solchen
Anschein genommen, welches alle Welt billig in Verwunderung
gesetzt. Aber nehme mir die Freiheit abernial ein Schreiben an
meinen Sohn den General zu iibersenden. Mit gantz gehorsam-
ster Bitte es dass mit ersterer Gelegenheit zu bekommen. Indem
nicht weiss was von meinem Sohn denken soil, da nur nach alle
meine Briefe in Zeit vor einem Jahr keine Antwort erhalten und
dass vor meinem Ende miisste von Ihnen nun sein Wohlsein ver-
sichert zu sein. Eur. Excellenz vergeben einem bald immer acht-
zigjahrigen Alten dass er mit einem Schreiben so oft incommo-
diren. Da ich aber keinen anderen Weg weiss so sage das Wort
wenn nur zu der Welt bekannten Menschen und Liebe dass Sie
meine Bitte gutig auch nehmen werden, und mir durch ein paar
Zeilen bekannt machen, ob meine Briefe richtig angekommen.
Denn ich mit aller erhimmlichsten Hochachtung bis an meiri
Ende beharren.
"Eur. Excellenz,
"Gantz gehorsamster Diener,
"W. A. von Steuben,
"Insigneur Major und Ritter des Ordens Pour
le Merite.
"Custrin, 8. Juni, 1782."
We will give but one example of the innumerable applica-
tions made from Germans of all ranks and stations, for posi-
tions in the American Colonies, either in military or scholastic
pursuits or in professions of medicine, chemistry or the like or
in the more humble positions of trade. When we examine the
hundreds of letters in the correspondence, that has been pre-
served for more than two generations, we are astounded that so
many letters from all sections reached Franklin's hands. As a
benefactor of humanity, as a man of tact, as a man of political
150 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
influence at home and abroad, he was besieged by a veritable
avalanche, which would in its very size have terrified a more
capable and calm correspondent at facing the task of answering
in person or through his grandson each one of these epistles.
We can presume that he was not lax in fulfilling his duties, for
numerous letters acknowledge his personal reply to all sorts of
trivial and important matters. Let us examine one of these ap-
plications.
"I presume to trouble you with an application for a Letter
of Recommendation in favour of Mr. Biedermann Dr. of law
in the University of Leipzig who in the course of last year set
out for America in the capacity of Agent, & Manager of the
Concerns & Interest of many of our principal Manufacturers &
Merchants. . . . It is with singular pleasure I embrace this
opportunity to assure you of the high Esteem and great respect
with which I have the honor to subscribe myself.
"Sir
"Your Most Obedient & most humble Servant
"Ct. de Bruhl
"Dover St.
"March 29th
"1784."
Another letter of interest is this.
"Kiel in Holstein in the
"neighborhood of Hamburgh,
"May 3, 1786.
"Sir
"I should be very vain if I did hope that my satisfying my
desire to give You any mark of the high veneration with which
i have oftentimes dwelled with my heart on Your high abilities
and on the force of Your genius, i could add something to the
happiness of Your most illustrious life and if for that reason i
did take the liberty of sending to You some of my writings by
a brother who goes in this moment in affairs of the Westindia
Company at St. Thomas. No, sir, i shall take none of such
vanity. Tho' i am sure that Your heart is not indififerent to the
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 151
veneration a good man has for You, wherever and whatever he
may be, the esteem of a single man who is unknown to you
can't be of much importance for a man who is admired and
adored by whole nations. But what encourages me to write to
You, is the hope that the books i take the liberty to join to this
letter, could be of any service to serve men who have much
influence into the modifications which are given to the evil and
religious cultivations of the United States of America. I should
not permit me to indulge to this delighting hope if Germany hat
not judged very favorably of my writings and of their usefull-
ness. In the book published just now i have endeavored to estab-
lish universal principles with respect to all kinds of usefull
notions particularly on account of religious matters. There
cann't be put an end of all those Calamities and evils which
result from the different opinions, which exist among man in
point of religious precepts, if the government in every state takes
not care, that principles, founded on the common sense of man-
kind, be generally adopted and professed, by which every one
is naturally exorted to be just and equitable and to abhor every
religious perfedation. I am sure that all polite nations if they
return to barbarousness and blindness, must come to such prin-
ciples as a basis of human felicity. But the established religious
constitutions, which are adopted not only in all countries where
the Roman Catholic religion is domineering but also in every
Protestant State of Europe, shall create for a long while many
hindrances to wise amandments of religious doctrines. There
is at present no people in the world, which can sooner be brought
to a high degree of perfection in usefull services and religious
doctrines than the inhabitants of the United States of America.
Your Americans adhere not to so many articles of faith as the
Roman Catholic et protestant inhabitants of Europe do. Prin-
ciples of toleration are domineering in all the United States. The
utmost exertions of wise men and especially of one of the most
learned and most wise men the world ever saw, the utmost exer-
tions of a Franklin are employed to give to those States excellent
Constitutions and laws. Universities and schools are rising and
institutions of the Students of Divinity can be regulated on a
152 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
liberal and enlarged plan comprehending all those who are good
artisans, whatever they may think upon meerely theoretical
articles of faith. Tho' i have not had, Sir, the idea of sending
You my Winke fiir gute Fursten [Winks for good Princes] and
tho' the idea is just now excited by the opportunity my brother
gives me of sending you this book with some other writings —
those considerations have nevertheless had the effect that i have
perhaps writen but few pages, when i have not had in view the
United American States and where i have not thought on the
use, the Americans would make with surveys of my Winks.
These ideas are the more nurished by the reflection that a very
great number of the habitants of the united states are Germans.
. . . I have but little reason to hope that You understand
the German language — so much that you can read with any
facility german books. . . ."
[The author, Ehlers, speaks here of sending the French
translation of the treatise he has written on human liberty and
apologizes deeply for his imperfect knowledge of English, writ-
ing: "But fearing that you could not read a german letter i
would rather write you a bad englisch one."]
"Thinking on You, Sir, which i do more often than You
can conceive it, i wish most ardently that before You exit out
of the Stage of this world all that belongs to government and
to the laws of the united States of America, may be entirely
settled; and with respect to the accomplishment of this my vow
i wish with an ardor i am not able to express sufficiently, that
it may please the divine providence to conserve a life which is
superior for millions and the forces of You now for many
years and that You may yet augment in a high Degree the
benefits and obligations which the vast republican empire of the
American states owe to Your wisdom, to the force of your
genius, to Your learning and to all the great talents which provi-
dence has been leased to unite in Your Person.
"With these Overflowings of my wishes of my feelings i am
"Sir
"Your most obedient servant
"M. Ehlers."
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 153
In this letter he gives us a list of eight works, which he
desires to send to America, for the use of those who may take
interest in the subjects, which have been the fruits of his pen.
"Landeshutten in Silesia, the 25 Octob. 1786.
"Sir.
" • . . i take the Liberty to beg your Excellency to
use Your Interest and Authority & show that there are men in
North America who Possess Honour and Justice & will not
suffer that Rascals plunder Strangers of their property. I have
been an American Patriot since by my means above 5CX) sols
Have been brought over from Germany, and a very consider-
able sum of ready money for my friends accounts have been
spent in America, and I should still be and enjoie the Happiness
of an American patriot and I not had the misfortune that some
of my coloniemds had been the most perjured & most wicked
villains, who by their interest at court and Perjury robbed me
of my property. . . . Vexed at such an injustice I quited
England and Retired to my Native Country where god be thank
I enjoie that Happiness and ease as much as any reasonable man
can wish for. I have the Honeur to be known Personally to
my King and several of His Ministers and am favored by their
friendship and Protection.
"Two months ago we lost our King one of the greatest men
which-ever Existed, no monarch ever supported more his sub-
jects so than what he had done. He repaired Decayed Towns
& those who were dstroyed in wartimes by his enemies or burned
accidentally he rebuild at his Expence & he drained Swamps,
drew Channals, and after the land was cultivable he devided
it amongst new Settlers and made them a present of it; when
his Subjects suffered in Winter times by the overflowing of
Rivers he paid them the Damage Sufferd, and when they
wa[n]ted seeds to sow their fields, his magazins were opened
for them. Some years there happened to be a famine in the
Northern part of Europe, many thousand of People died in
Saxony & Bohemia, but in Brandenburg and Silesia was Plenty
or at Least no want, since the king opened his magazins and
154 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
assisted Saxony & Bohemia in such a manner that a great many
thousand were saved by his Bounty, his yearly expences for
the Charitable Support of his subjects amounted to about Ten
Million and a half Rextollars & the Treasure which he has left
above 120,000. . . . His successor Present King Frederic
William the 2d. endeavors to imitate his Predecessors, he said
he would endeavor rather to merit, the Name of a Good King,
than of a Great king. . . .
"Your Excellency's
"Most obedient Humble Servant
"Peter Hasencleber."
In the above letter there are very careful details given
of court events, showing that the writer must have felt that
Franklin would take interest in such German affairs.
Johann Jacob Meyen, who published Franklin der Philosoph
und Staatsmann, In fiinf Gesange, 1787, dedicated to Franklin,
wrote the following letter from Altstettin on der Oder in Pom-
mern the 28th of June, 1788 :
"My Lord
"Diesen Tribut bringe ich, ein gebohrner Pommer dem
grossen Manne, der das Licht der Wissenschaften in Amerika
aufstellete, und sein Vaterland zu der grossen Entschliessung be-
geisterte, die Freiheit zu fiihlen, zu schaetzen, und wenn die Re-
gierung nicht aufhoren will, Tyrrannei zu sein durch Waff en zu
erringen, Sie Sind, My Lord, der grosse Mann, der americani-
sche Orpheus, der diesen Umfang der Verdienste hat, welcher
Europa in erstaunen setzt. Lange schon hatte unsere unfrucht-
bare See-Kiiste der Ost-See, Sie, grosser Mann, in Ihren Schrif-
ten genannt; denn wir suchen Licht und das Atlantische Meer,
ist nicht breit genug, unsere Wisbegierde zuriick zu weihen.
Lange schon sahen wir die Natur durch Sie enthiillt, durch Sie
den Schleier von der Electricitaet zuriick gezogen, und den Ge-
witter Leiter, Franklinens Coloss auch bei uns aufgestellt. Nun
sehen wir Sie auch den blutigen Krieg durchdringen, von der
neuen Welt zur alten iiber das Meer fahren, um Freiheit und
Friede zu befestigen ; wir sehen Sie, den ehrwiirdigen Greis und
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 155
Patriarchen der Philosophen iind Staatsmaenner in den ver-
dienten Lorbeeren urn Ihren silberfarbigen Scheitel prangen.
Man brachte sonst die Lobreden nur der Asche des Mannes von
Verdiensten ; dem Trajan brachte man sie, als er noch lebte ; ich
thue das was Plinius that, denn Sie, my Lord, verdienen es so
sehr wie Trajan. Welch ein eingeschraenktes LobHed ist es,
welches ich dem grossen Umfange Ihrer Verdienste widme, so
eingeschraenkt als der entfernte Hall des Rufs an imsre See-
Kiiste die dunklen Tone von den grossen Thaten horen Hess ;
aber doch nicht eingeschraenkt fiir mein Gefiihl des grossen und
edlen welches ich in Ihnen sehe und fiihle. Mein Lied sagt zu
wenig, kiinftige Lobredner konnen, wollen und werden mehr
sagen: alles sollen sie sagen, wir wollen den gantzen Philosophen
sehen und haben. Ich bin bis zum Entziicken vergnugt, wenn
Sie, Grosser Mann, obwohl mein Gedicht zu wenig vom Umfang
und Zeichnung des Werthes Ihrer Thaten doch mein Hertz nicht
zu wenig gefiihlvoll und ehrfurchtsvoU fiir das wahre, edle und
erhabne finden. Ich bin gantz fiir Sie, Gott gebe zu Ihren ruhm-
vollen Alter noch eine milde Zulage vieler vergnijgter und segen-
voUer Jahre. Ich bin
"My Lord,
"Ganz der Ihrige,
"Johann Jacob Meyen.
"Der Philosophic Doktor und des academischen Gymnasi-
ums offentlicher professor der Mathematic und Physic, wie auch
Koniglicher professor der Hydrographie und Schiffskunst."
"Sir!
"In the latter end last year, I recevid by the hands of
Mons. de Butre, a book entitled, Constitutions des Treize Estats
Unis de I'Amerique, together with a beautiful Medal struck upon
the independency or sepperation of the American Colonies from
their Mother Country ; the device on the reverse of this medal is
as strong & flattering to the arms of France as it is humiliating
& disgraceful to those of England ; how far the allusion may bear
a resemblance to truth, the annals of time are left to unfold,
confirm & record.
156 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
"If These articles were meant as presents from your Excel-
lency to me, I then beg you will be persuaded to believe that I
have employed the very first favorable opportunity of returning
you Sir my most grateful thanks & of assuring you that they
could not have been bestowed upon a person whose Zealous good
wishes for the common cause of extending happiness (& con-
sequently the civil rights & liberty of Mankind) are more
ardently poured forth and those of your Excellency's most re-
spectful & much obliged old friend & very Humble
"Servant
"P. P. Burdett.
"Ingenier en chef & capitaine des Cards
"de S. A. Sme. Le Prince de Baden
"Carlsruhe 17 January, 1786."
(c) Three Le Iters of Franklin to Germans.
Franklin must have sent hundreds of letters of recommenda-
tion at the appeal of men of high and low social position in the
social scale. This is an example of his own reply from which
fifteen copies were made by his orders:
"Passy April 22, 1783.
"Sir
"M. Martin, Professor of Natural History in the Service of
the Emperor, being appointed to make a collection of Plants and
Animals from the four Quarters of the World, for his Imperial
Majesty's Botanical Gardens and Menagerie, proposes to begin
his Operations by a Journey thro' the Countries under the Cov-
ernment of the United States of America. He is strongly
recommended to me by his Excellency the Ambassador from the
Court; and I take leave to recommend him not only to the
bounties you are pleased in bestowing on Strangers of Merit,
but to all the Assistances and Facilities your Station and the
Influence attending it, may enable you to afford him in the
P2xcellence of his Commission, being persuaded about your Zeal
for the Increase of Useful Science, as well as the Respect due to
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 157
his August Employer, will induce you to render M. Martin with
Services with Pleasure I have the honor to be very respectfully
"Sir Your (Excellency's)"
The Prince des Deuxpontes addressed Franklin on the 14th
of June, 1783, in regard to establishing trade between Palitinate,
Bavaria and the United States of America. This letter is pub-
lished in Jared Sparks' Franklin, Volume IX, page 526. Frank-
lin's answer, however, which can be found on the blank pages of
this letter, has as yet not found its way to the printed page. It
reads as follows:
Franklin's Response.
"Without information what are the Productions and Manu-
factures of the Palatinate & of Bavaria and their Prices of which
Mr. Franklin is totally ignorant, it is impossible for him to say
what of them will be proper for a Commerce with the United
States of America. He can only answer in general, that Amer-
ica purchases from Europe all kinds of Woolens & Linnens
coarse & fine proper for Clothing for Men & Women ; a Variety
of Iron & Steele Manufacturers ; and she pays in Tobacco, Rice,
Indigo, Bills of Exchange or Money. If the Electorates above
mentioned can furnish any of these Manufactures cheaper than
or as cheap as France, Holland or England they may thereby
obtaine a Share of the American Commerce. But it will be
prudent for the Merchants to send first a discreat intelligent man
with a small cargo of Samples of all their kinds of Goods in
order to obtain a thorough knowledge of the nature of the Com-
merce in that Country, and of all Kinds of Goods & Proportions
of their Quantities, that are most in demand there, before they
hazard the making of large Adventures. There is no doubt but
that the Commerce of the German States will be favorably re-
ceived in America, where a great many People of that Nation
are established. Mr. F. will give it all the Encouragement that
can be expected of him ; but he cannot take upon him to point out
and name as he has been desired the most Solid Houses of
Commerce there, having long been absent from that Country and
the War having probably made a Change in the Circumstances
of many."
158 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
To illustrate the attitude of Franklin toward Prussian
trade, here is a draft of a letter written by him from Passy,
September 9, 1777:
"Meyers, Melone & Co.
"I received your Favor of the 19th . . . our Clothing
of the manufacture of Prussia. We have already contracted for
as much as our Funds here will enable us to pay for in time, a
considerable of the Remittance made to us from America having
been intercepted ; but a much greater Quantity is wanted, & will
undoubtedly come to a good Market there, we advise you to send
a Cargo thither on your own Account, which we hope and believe
you will find greatly to your Advantage; and if the Goods are
approved, it may open a Trade & Demand there for Prussian
Commodities that will be very beneficial to that Kingdom. I
have the Honor to be
(Printed 1882.)
The author adds here two original letters of Franklin. One
to Johann David Halm, the other to George Washington, recom-
mending Baron de Steuben:
"Aug. 20, 1774.
"Mr. Halm,
"I am much obliged by your valuable Present of several
Tracts which I received through the Hands of our common
Friend Sir John Pringle ; particularly for that on Fused Air, a
Subject which of late engages much Attention from Philosophers
here and in which no one has more distinguished himself than
Dr. Priestley, who puts this letter into your Hands. His Char-
acter in the Republick of Letters you must be well acquainted
with, and I am sure that you will be pleased with the Opportunity
of conversing with him. I beg your Acceptance of the enclosed
Pamphlets, and am with the greatest Esteem, Sir,
"Your most obed.
"& most hum. Servt.
"B. F—
"From Franklin to
"(Johann David Halm)"
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 159
Recommendation from Franklin for the Baron von Steuben.
(Draft copy.)
"Passy near Paris Sept. 4, 1777.
"Sir
"The Gentleman who will have the Honour of waiting upon
you with this Letter is Baron de Steuben, lately a Lieutenant
General in the King of Prussia's Service whom he attended in
all his campaigns, being his Aide Campe, Quartermaster Gen-
eral etc. He goes to America with the true Zeal for our cause
in View of engaging in it & rendering it all Service in his Power.
He is recommended to us by the two best Judges of military
Merit in this country, M. de Vergennes & M. de St. Germain who
have long been personally accjuainted with him, and interest
themselves in promoting his voyage. I have therefore great
Hopes that the Knowledge from a full Prussian Experience he
has acquired by 20 years Study & Practice in the Prussian School
may be of great Use in our Armies. I therefore cannot but wish
that our service may be made agreeable to him. I have the
Honour to be
"His Excell.
"Geo. Washington."
(Printed 1882.)
CHAPTER X.
Bibliography.
Franklin's Works in German Editions by Germans.
( Chronological. )
We are including under this title merely the works, that are
limited to the German field and not the German American pub-
lications.
I. Des Herrn Benjamin Franklin, Esq., Brief e von der Elec-
tricitdt aus dem Englischen iibersetzt nebst Anmerkungen, von
J. C. Wilcke. Leipzig, 1758. Verlag Gottfried Kiesewetter
Buchhandlung in Stockholm.
II. Sdmmtl. Werke aus d. Engl, iibers. von G. T. Wenzel,
3 Bde., mit Kupfer. {Des Herrn D. Ben. Franklin sdmmtliche
Werke. Aus dem Englischen und Franzdsischen iibersetzt. Nebst
dem franzosischen Ubersetzen des Herrn Barbey Dubourg. Zu-
satze und mit einigen Anmerkungen versehen von G. T. Wenzel.
Erster Band mit Kupfer.) Dresden, 1780. In der Walthen-
sche Ho f buchhandlung; 3 Bde.; portrait 5 plates.
III. Bericht filr diejenigen, so sich nach Nordamerika le-
ben zvollen. Aus d. Engl. Hamburg (Herold, 1786).
IV. Freier Wille, ein Werk filr denkendc Menschen i'lber d.
Mach d. Zufalls. Leipzig, 1787 (Mosle in Wien).
V. Schreiben an Ingenhous ilber d. Rauchen d. Kamins u.
Schortisteifis. Aus d. Engl, (von Pt. H. G. Brodhagen. Mit I
Kpf. Hamburg, 1788).
VI. Schreiben an Ingehaiiscn iiber d. Rauchen d. Gamine.
Aus d. Engl. Hamburg, 1788 (Bohn).
VII. Erweiteres Lehrgebdude d. Electricitdt. Wien, 1790.
VIII. Jugendjahre, von ihm sclbst bescriebcn. Aus d. Engl,
iibersetzt von G. A. Burger. Berlin, 1792 (Rottmann).
IX. Kleine Schriften, meist in der Manier des Zuschauers,
nebst seinem Leben. Aus dem Englischen von G. Schatz. Erster
Theil. Weimar, 1794. Verlag des Industrie Comptoirs. 2
Bde.
(160)
Benjamin Franklin and Germany i6r
X. Dcr Benjamin Franklin's Leben. Tubingen, 1795.
(Anom.)
XL Lchcnshcschrcihung B. Franklins. Joh. C. Selter. Ber-
lin, 1897 (Oettingers Bibliogr. ).
XII. Biographien fiir die Jugcnd. Vol. I. C. J. Wagenseil.
XIII. LebensbcscJircibung B. Franklins. Berlin, 1797.
XIV. Lcbensbcschreibmig Benjamin Franklins. Johann
Christian. Berlin, 1897- 1898.
XV. Kleine Schriften. xA.us d. Engl. Zweiter Theil mit
Franklin's Portrat. Weimar, 1802. Industr. Comptr. G. Schatz,
zweite Auflage.
XVI. Bcschrcib. eines rauchverzehrend. Sparofens. Ver-
bessert von Boreux. Leipzig, 1802 (Hinrichs).
XVII. Beschrcib. eines raucJivercehrend . Sparofens. Ver-
bessert von Boreux. Leipzig, 1803 (Hinrichs).
XVIII. Franklinsche Of en d. vervollkommet v. Darnot u.
Schmidt. Aus dem Franzosischen. Von Eschenbach, mit Kpf.
Leipzig, 1806.
XIX. Siimmtl. Werke. London, 1793; 2 Bande; 3. Band,
Enkel W. T. Franklin (181 8-1 8 19).
XX. Sichcrer IVeg mi einer moral. Gesundheit zu gelangen
und sicli darin lebenslang zu erhalten. Wien, 18 12 (Wimmer).
XXI. Spriichzuorter des alien Heinrichs und Engels der Le-
bensweisheit des alien Witt. Berlin, 1812 (Mittler).
XXII. Franklin's Werke. Niirnberg, 1816 (Campe).
XXIII. Dr. Franklin's nachgelassene Schriften und Corre-
spondent, nebst seinem Leben. Aus dem Englischen iibersetzt.
Von G. H. A. Wagner. Weimar, 18 17. Im Verlag des Landes-
industrie Comptoirs. (Bd. I-II, Correspondenz ; Bd. III-IV,
Leben ; Bd. V, Werke. )
XXIV. Freier Wille, ein JVerk filr dcnkende Menschen.
Leipzig, 181 7. Zweite Auflage Wien (Mossle). (Erste Auf-
lage, t8ii.)
XXV. Leben und Schriften. Aus dem Englischen iiber-
setzt. Weimar, 1818. 2 Bde. (Bd. 3-4 of Franklin's Nachge-
lassene Schriften. )
1 62 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
XXVI. Tugendiibimgen, guter Rath an Handwerker, Mittcl
reich 2U werden. Wien, 1819 (Mayer).
XXVII. Franklin's Leben. Ebd. 2 Bde. 181 9.
XXVIII. Spriichzvorter dcs alien Heinrich u. Engels Lc-
bensweisheit des alien Wiii, oder d. Kunsi reich u. gliicklich zu
werden; einTaschenbuch filr J cdermann. Berlin, 1819 (Mittler).
XXIX. Spritchzvorier des alien Heinrich u. Engels Lebens-
weisheit des alien Wiii, oder d. Knnsi reich u. gliicklich su wer-
den; ein Taschenbiich fiir J cdermann. Rotweil, 1822 (Herder).
XXX. Goldnes Schaizkdsilein, oder Anzveis zjuie man ihdiig,
versidndig, beliebi, eic, zverden kann. Herausg. von Dr. Bergk.
Leipzig, 1827-1833.
XXXI. Leben und Schrifien, nach dcr von seinem Enkel
W. T. Franklin voransiali. neuen Londoner Ausg., mii Benutn-
ung des bei dersclben bekannt gemachien Nachlasscs u. friihercr
Quellen ceiigemdss bearbeiiei. Von A. Biirger; 4 Theile. Kiel,
1829. (Vergl. Biographien f. d. Jugend.)
XXXII. Deuischc Bcarbcitiing. Kiel, 1829: 4 Bde. A. von
Binzer (4 Vol. in 2) Universitiits-Buchhandlung. {Leben und
Schrifien nach der von seinem Enkel IV. T. Franklin, voranstal-
ten neuen Londoner Original Ausgabe.)
XXXIII. Franklin's Tagebuch, ein sicheres Miiiel durch
moral. Vollkommenheii, ihdiig, versidndig, beliebi, iugendhafi
II. gliicklich zii zverden. Entworfen im Jahre 1730 u. nach 100
Jahren als ein Denkmal fiir die Nachwelt an d. Licht gestellt.
Eschwege, 1830 (Hoffmann).
XXXIV. Franklins Tagebuch, ein sicheres Miiiel durch
moral. Vollkommenheii ihdiig, versidndig, beliebi, iugendhafi
u. gliicklich zu zverden. Entworfen im Jahre 1730 u. nach 100
Jahren als ein Denkmal fiir die Nachwelt an d. Licht gestellt.
Eschwege, 1830 (Wohlfeilen Ausgabe Cassel). Kriegersbuch-
handlung.
XXXV. Alie Goldbricfe. Neu herausgegeben zum Nutzen
und Frommen der Tugend. Coburg, 1833 (Riemann).
XXXVI. Goldnes Schaizkdsilein, oder Anweisung zvie man
ihaiig, iugendhafi, religios und gliicklich zverden kann. Her-
ausgegeben von Dr. Bergk. Auflage 8, Leipzig, 1834.
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 163
XXXVII. Goldnes Schatzkdstlein, oder Anzueisimg wie
man thdtig, tngendhaft, religios und gliicklich werden kann.
Herausgegeben von Dr. Bergk. Zweite Auflage, Leipzig, 1834-
1838. Dritte Auflage, Leipzig, 1839. Dritten durchge. Auflage
Duedlinburg. Ernst, 1843, 1844- 1850.
XXXVIII. Franklin's Werke. (Campe Edition.) Niirn-
berg and New York, 1835.
XXXIX. Ein Lesebuch fiir Volks- und Gewerbeschulen,
enthalt Der arme Richard, oder der Weg ziim Wohlstand, von
Benjamin Franklin; sodann Auszilge aus Theophron, von J. H.
Campe. Carlsruhe, 1836 (Wagner).
XL. The Life of Benjamin Franklin, zuritten by Himself;
to which are added Essays by the same Author. Mit einem Wor-
terhuch. Zum Schul- und Privatgebrauch. (Mit feinen Bildnis-
sen in Stahlstich.) Carlsruhe, 1838 (Creuzbauer).
XLI. Lehen und ausgezvdhlte Schriften. (In einem Bande.)
Leipzig, 1838 (G. Wigand).
(Probably the third volume of Geschichts-Bihliothek fiir
Folk.)
XLII. Lehen von Ihm selbst {Geschichts-Bihliothek fiir
Folk, third volume). Ebd. 1839.
XLIII. Lehen Benjamin Franklins, ein Lehenhild fiir Jung
und Alt. Von Ferdinand Schmidt. Berlin und Leipzig, 1840
(Hugo Kaftner).
XLIV. Lehen Benjamin Franklins. Berlin und Leipzig,
1840 (Carl Schmalz).
XLV. Der Weg zum Reichthum. Erfurt, 1841 (Hennings
und Hopf).
XLVI. Goldnes Schatzkdstlein, u. s. zv. Von Dr. Bergk.
Auflage 12. Quedlinburg, 1843, 1844, 1850 (Ernst).
XLVII. Franklin's Sdmnitliche Werke, nehst dessen Le-
bensbeschreihung. Hamburg, 1845 (Schuberth & Co.).
XLVIII. Lebensheschreihung Benjamin Franklins. Von
Julius Kell. Leipzig, 1845.
XLIX. Lehen, heschriehen fiir das Volk. Eigenthum des
wiirttembergischen Volksschriften-Vereins. Ulm, 1845 (Heer-
brandt und Th.).
164 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
L. Leben des Benjamin Franklins, von ihni selhst geschrie-
bcn. Leipzig, 1848 (Geschichts-Bibliothek fiir das Volk,
Band 2).
LI. Lebensbeschreibung Benjamin Franklins, dcs thatkrdf-
tigen Mannes tmd freisinnigen Volksfreundes. Eine Volks-
schrift. Leipzig, 1848 (Klinkhardt).
LII. Der arme Richard, die Kitnst reich zii zverden. Erlan-
gen, 1852 (Georg Gelfreich).
Lin. Leben und Schriften Benjamin Franklins. Theodor
Riiprecht. Leipzig, 1853 (Otto Wigand).
LIV. Bildiings-Hallc im Sinne und Gciste unsercr Zeit.
Fiir alle Stande. 5. Band. Benjamin Franklin's Leben und
Schriften. Leipzig, 1853. Verlag von Otto Wagner.
LV. Benjamin Franklin, sein Leben, Dcnken und Wcrke.
Leipzig, 1853. Von Heinrich Bettzeich-Beta. (Untcrhaltende
Belehrungen ::iir Fordening allgemciner Bildung. Band 18.)
F. A. Brockhaus.
LVI. Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. Vols. 2 and 3.
A. Diirrs. Collection of American Authors. Leipzig, 1854-
1858 (K. Elze).
LVII. The Life of Benjamin Franklin. Vol. I. Benjamin
Franklin s Autobiography, ivith Appendix. Authorized Edition.
Dessau, 1854 (Katz Br.).
LVIII. Benjamin Franklin, eine Biographic. Aus dem
Franzosischen. Leipzig, 1855. F. A. M. Mignet.
LIX. Gleichniss von der Glaubensbildung. Dessau, 1855
(Neuburger).
LX. Bibliothek der englischen Litteratur fiir Schid- und
Hausgebrauch. Herausgegeben von H. Robolsky. Leipzig,
1859 (Gerhard).
LXI. Benjamin Franklin, ein Lebensbild. Freiburg im
Breisgau, 1862 (J. Venedey).
LXI I. Der Weg zum Reichtum. Neubearbeitet, nebst einer
Biographie des beriihmten Verfassers. G. A. B. Berlin, 1864
(Grothe). Zweites Heft. The Life of Benjamin Franklin.
Continuation to Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography, by Jared
Sparks,
Benjamin Franklin and Germany 165
LXIII. Benjamin Franklin's Der arme Richard, Weg sum
Reichtum.. Aus dem Englischen von C. F. Liebetreu. Berlin,
1866 (A. Jonas).
LXIV. Life of Benjamin Franklin, Written by Himself,
to which are added essays, some anecdotes of or by the same
author. Worterhuch. Zum chul- imd Privatgebrauch. Zweite
Auflage durchgeschaiit, vermehrt und mit Anmerkungen, von D.
Jnngking. Carlsruhe, 1871 (Wilhehii Kreuzbauer).
LXV. Benjamin Franklin, sein Leben von ihm selbst be-
schrieben. Mit einer Vorbemerkung von Berthold Auerbach, und
eine historische Einleitung von Friedrich Kapp. Nebst dem
Bildnisse FrankHns. (Holzschnitt-Tafel. ) Stuttgart, 1876 (Au-
erbach). Universal- Auflage 8. 1877. Ebend. 1882.
LXVI. Bibliothek gediegener und lehrreicher Werke der
englischen Litteratur. Zum Gebrauch der studirenden Jugend
ausgewahlt und ausgestattet, von Ant. Goebel. Miinster, 1881
(Aschendorff).
LXVII. John Biglow. Correspondence et Autobiographic .
Philadelphia, 1868; New York, 1900. Deutsch von Friedrich
Kapp. 4. Auflage. Berlin, 1882.
LXVIII. Benjamin Franklins Autobiography. Mit An-
merkungen zum Schulgebrauch. Herausg. von K. Mayer. Biele-
feld, 1 885- 1 890 (Velhagen & Klasing).
LXIX. ( I ) Autobiography. Cressner und Schramm. Leip-
zig, 1887. (2) Autobiography. Students' Tauchnitz Edition.
Mit deutschen Anmerkungen, von K. Feyerabend. Leipzig. B.
Tauchnitz. i. und 2. Th. (i) Jugendjahre. 1706-1730. (2)
Mannesjahre. 1 731-1754. (The Way to Wealth.)
LXX. Benjamin Franklin s Leben, von ihm selbst beschrie-
ben. Deutsch von Karl Miiller. 1887. (Universal-Bibliothek.)
LXXL Benjamin Franklins Jugendjahre. Jonas. Berlin,
LXXn. Benjamin Franklin's Jugendschrift. 4. Auflage.
Leipzig, 1888 (Geibel & Br.).
LXXIIL Der Weg sum Reichtum. Berlin, 1891 (R. L.
Stab).
1 66 Benjamin Franklin and Germany
LXXIV. Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. English
Authors. Bielefeld, 1891.
LXXV. Benjamin Franklin's Jugendsehrift. Wilhelm J.
Briischweiler. Stuttgart, 1893 (J. F. Steinkopf).
LXXVI. Leben imd Grundsdtae Benjamin Franklins. Aus
dem Englischen von Theodor Roth. Stuttgart, 1893.
LXXVII. Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. Herausg.
C. Mayer (9. Abdruck), 1894.
LXXVIII. Der IV eg mm Reiehtum. Ansbach, 1894 (M.
Eichinger),
LXXIX. Luftelektricitdt (B. Franklin, T. F. Dalibard,
L. G. Le Monner iiber Luftelektricitat), Neiidrucke v. Schriften
u. Karten iiber Metereologei u. Erdmagnctismiis. Nr. II. Ber-
lin, 1898 (A. Asher & Co.). Herausg. von G. Hellmann. (J.
H. Winkler.)
LXXX. The Life of Benjamin Franklin, ivith the Contin-
uation, by Jared Sparks. Herausg. von F. Wiillenweber. Leip-
zig, 1899 (Otto E. A. Deckman). Renger Band 52.
LXXXI. Benjamin Franklin. English Authors. Herausg,
C. Mayer. Bielefeld, 1905 (Velhagen & Klasing). Band 48.
LXXXII. Benjamin Franklin. F. Schmidt. Berlin, 1905
( Neufeld & Henius).
LXXXIII. Benjamin Franklin's Lcbensbild. Konstanz,
1906 (C. Flirsch).
CHAPTER XI.
Alphabetical Bibliography.
A.
1. Achenwall, Gottfried. Hannoverisches Magasin. 17
Stiick. 1767. Eine Anmerkung iiher Nordamcrika u. i'tbcr
dasige Grosshritannische Colonicn. Aus miindlichen Nachrichten
des Herrn Dr. Franklins. 2. Aufl., Frankfurt, Stuttgart, 1769;
3. Aufl., Helmstedt, 1777.
2. Adams, John Quincy. Letters on Silesia. 1800-1801.
3. Adams, George. Anweisung sur Erhaltung des Gesichts.
Gotha, 1794.
4. Almanack fiir Dichter u. schdne Geister aiif das Jahr
1785. (Gedruckt am Fuss des Parnassus.)
5. Allgemeine Deutsche Bibliothek. Band 32; Band 25.
6. Allgemeine Litteraturzeitung. Jena, 1785.
7. American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia (Franklin
Manuscripts ) .
B.
8. Bauer, Th. Chr. Aug. Franklin u. Washington, unter-
haltende Anecdoten aus dem achtzehnten Jahrhundert. Band 8.
Berlin, 1803- 1806.
9. Bancroft, George. History of the United States. Bos-
ton, 1874.
10. Beaumarchais et son Temps. Paris, 1858, (Louis de
Lomenie. )
11. Bebra, Freyherr von. Journal v. u. fiir Deutschland.
Jahrgang 1784.
12. Berlinsche Monatsschrift. (Nicholai, Fried.) Juli,
1783-
13. Berlinsche Zeitschrift. Juli, 1783.
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47. Euler, Leonhard. Briefe i'lher verschiedene Gegen-
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51. Federn, Karl. Essays zur vergleichenden Litteratur.
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52. Eels, J. Franklin and Freedom. London and Philadel-
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53. Fisher, Sidney George. The True Bcnj. Franklin.
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54. Ford, Paul L. Sayings of Poor Richard by Benjamin
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55. Ford, Paul L. Franklin's Bibliography. Brooklyn,
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56. Forster, Georg. Erinncrungen aus dem Jahre lypo.
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57. Franken, Aug. Gotth. Nachricht von einigen cvangeli-
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58. Fritsch, Caspar. Gesckichte dcr englischen Kolonien in
Nord-Amerika. Aus dem Engl. Leipzig, 1774.
59. Frommel, W. M., und Dr. Friedrich Pfaff. Justus Md-
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60. Gallinger, Herbert P. Relation of German Publicists
to the American War of Independence. 1 775-1 783. Disserta-
tion. Leipzig, 1900.
61. Gatterer, Johann C. Allgcmeine historische Bibliothek.
1767. Band 35. Halle.
62. Gelfreich, Georg. Benjamin Franklin, der arme Rich-
ard und die Kunst reich zu werden. Erlangen, 1852.
63. Gerber, Ernst Ludwig. Neues historisch-biographisches
Lexikon der Tonkiinste. Leipzig, 1812-1814.
64. Gersdorf, E. G. Repertorium der deutschen Litteratur.
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65. Gervinus, G. G. Georg Forster s sdmmtliche Schriften.
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66. Gildemeister, C. H. Johann Georg Hamann. Band i
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67. Gothein, Eberhard. Die Aufgaben der Kulturge-
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68. Gottingsche Anzeigen fiir gelehrte Sachen. Band i ;
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69. Green, S. A. Career of Benjamin Franklin. Philadel-
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70. Griesebach, E. Die deutsche Litteratur. 1 770-1870.
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71. Grundmann, Johann. Die Volker Amerikas. Berlin,
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74. Haertel, Martin H. German Literature in American
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75. Hale, Edward E., Sr., and Jr. Franklin in France.
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76. Haller, Albrecht von. Tagebiicher seiner Reisen nach
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yy. Halm. Ahhandliingen der schwedischen Academic der
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78. Hamberger, Georg C. Das gelehrte Deutschland. oder
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80. Haym, Rudolph. Joliann G. Herder.
81. Henneberger, A. Zeitschrift fiir deutsche Kulturge-
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82. Hettner, Hermann. Litteraturgeschichte des achtzehn-
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83. Hildebrand, Richard. Jahrbuch fiir Nationalokonomie
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84. Histor.-Geneologischer Calender oder Jahrbuch der
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85. Der hochdeutsche amerikanische Calender auf das Jahr
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87. Hunter, R. Das Elend der neuen Welt. tJbersetzt von
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88a. James, Edmund J. The Nation. N. Y. 1895.
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93. Kaufmann, Georg. Die Auffassung der dltesten deut-
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94. Kippis, Andrew. Sir John Fringle. Six Discourses.
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95. Knortz, K. Geschichte der N ord-Amerikanischen Lit.
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96. Knortz, K. Der Fessimissmus in der amerikanischen
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97. Koch, Max. Uber die Beziehung der engl. Lit. zur deut-
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99. Kohn, Max. Amerika im Spiegel deutscher Dichtung.
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Chicago, 1894.
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AMERICANA GERMANICA
MONOGRAPHS DEVOTED TO THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE
Literary, Linguistic and Otlier Cultural Relations of
Germany and America
EDITOR
MARION DEXTER LEARNED
University of Pennsylvania
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
H. C. G. Brandt
W. H. Carruth
Hermann Collitz
Starr W. Cutting
Daniel K. Dodge
A, B. Faust
Kuno Francke
Adolph Gerber
Julius Goebel
J. T. Hatfield
W. T. Hewett
A. R. Hohlfeld
Hugo K. Schilling
H. Schmidt-Wartenberg
Hermann Schoenfeld
Calvin Thomas
H. S. White
Henry Wood
PUBLICATIONS OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
NEW YORK
D. APPLETON & COMPANY
publishing agents
University of Pennsylvania Library
Circulation Department
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